Haydn – Cello Concertos & Minuets
Published:
COMPOSERS: Haydn
LABELS: Dux
WORKS: Cello Concertos, Hob.VIIb Nos 1 & 2; Minuets Nos 1, 6 & 11
PERFORMER: Polish Sinfonia Iuventus Orchestra/ Ivan Monighetti (cello)
CATALOGUE NO: Dux 0663
The Adagio is no less affecting, Monighetti’s wonderfully nuanced phrasing of the solo part matched by an equally sensitive response from the orchestra, whilst the Allegro molto is projected at an ideal tempo which enables the fast passage work to sound clear, incisive and witty. Similar qualities abound in the warmly spacious account of the D major Concerto. Monighetti’s rustic approach to the Finale is particularly appealing, and the three Minuets which frame the Concertos are absolutely delightful.
All in all these beautifully recorded performances can be confidently recommended to anyone wishing to hear outstanding playing from one of Rostropovich’s most charismatic pupils. Two potential drawbacks however are the disc’s rather short duration and Monighetti’s rather wacky cadenzas. With their quotations from Beethoven (Fifth and Ninth Symphonies, as well as the Violin Concerto) and Dvoπák, they may sound amusing on first acquaintance, but the humour is likely to wear rather thin on repeated listening. Erik Levi
