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Cello Night: Bach, Dvorak and Vaughan Williams Exquisite Miniatures

Was about to pull the trigger on the famous Mercury Starker Bach Sonatas but stopped short: he's never really engaged me. Same issue with Fournier and Casals. My favorite set thus far, the one that always gets my foot tapping, is Kirshbaum's on Virgin.

Watkin was lead Cello in Gardiner's Romantic and Revolutionary Orchestra and was also a member of the Eroica Quartet. His release of the Bach Cello Suites, on the Resonance label, has been met with rave reviews. I don't think I could find one negative.

I do indeed like the sound of his Cello, and the myriad colors and textures it can produce. Watkin's articulation and dynamics give even the opening Prelude of Suite 1 an almost symphonic feel; Bach's polyphony remains clear at all times. I'm glad I investigated and so impressed by the label that I may try their Mendelssohn Octet right away.



Karajan's and Rosty's Cello Concerto is an old friend, and the one upon which I imprinted. I've not yet heard another team capture the "inward" spirit of the music better: from the touching cello and flute dialog in mov't 1, to the billowing last measures of mov't 2, to the quiet section that precedes the finale in mov't 3. If you like Szell's more rugged and expedient approach, (Casals, Fournier), that's great. Good so much variety out there.

This Dvorak is my first 96/24 download from Universal/DGG. Is it better than the CD? Goodness, yes! And for a little over $6. The tutti strings are a touch harsh at times, but they were on the Lp as well. That said, my hat off to Universal.




Finally, Vaughan William's "Six Studies in English Folksong," for Cello and Piano, in DSD FWIW. Mundane title, gorgeous music. (Try #4 lento.Link below) A little breezy compared to Hugh Bean on EMI, but in any case, Audiophiles will be in tears.



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Edits: 09/25/16

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Topic - Cello Night: Bach, Dvorak and Vaughan Williams Exquisite Miniatures - jdaniel@jps.net 22:21:42 09/25/16 (14)

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