COMPOSERS: Beethoven
LABELS: DG
WORKS: Works for Cello and Piano
PERFORMER: Pierre Fournier (cello), Friedrich Gulda (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: 437 352-2 ADD (1959
Fournier and Gulda will suit those who like their Beethoven civilised, eloquent and musicianly. There are no rough edges here, ensemble is excellent and the two musicians are always in control. Contrast Casals (Sony), who sounds as if he’s carving the music from granite, but can give it a deep inner quality. Or Jacqueline du Pré (EMI), who brings spontaneity and excitement. Gulda’s playing has plenty of rhythmic energy, but he is no match for Serkin or Barenboim – or for Kempff, who accompanies Fournier on an alternative DG set recorded live a few years after this one. David Michaels
Beethoven: Works for Cello and Piano
Fournier and Gulda will suit those who like their Beethoven civilised, eloquent and musicianly. There are no rough edges here, ensemble is excellent and the two musicians are always in control. Contrast Casals (Sony), who sounds as if he’s carving the music from granite, but can give it a deep inner quality. Or Jacqueline du Pré (EMI), who brings spontaneity and excitement. Gulda’s playing has plenty of rhythmic energy, but he is no match for Serkin or Barenboim – or for Kempff, who accompanies Fournier on an alternative DG set recorded live a few years after this one. David Michaels
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:34 pm