Adam Grabois & John Nauman

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
The repertoire on this CD, the first issue of the newly launched label, Reflex Editions, demonstrates a wide range of style, technique and timbre. The disc includes three pieces for cello and piano. The first piece, 7 Variations in Eb major on "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen" from Mozart's The Magic Flute, WoO 46 (1801), shows off Beethoven's art of variations which playfully makes us chase Mozart lurking underneath Beethoven. Debussy's Sonata for Cello and Piano (1915) allows the instrumentalists a full palette of subtly changing colors and textures with memorable pizzicato passages for the cello. The last piece, the Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano, op. 19 (1901) by Sergei Rachmaninov, by contrast, is a work of grand gestures with sweeping melodies and sonorous harmonies, bathed in the composer's hallmark melancholy.

Adam Grabois & John Nauman, Music, Beethoven Debussy Rachmaninov, Adam Grabois, This recording is filled with grand gestures, sweeping melodies and sonorous harmonies with a full palette of subtly changing colors and textures.

Rachmaninov, Debussy, Beethoven: Cello & Piano Music: Grabois & Nauman
Average customer rating:

classical musician

Highly Recommended

Great performance

Loved it!

Rachmaninov, Debussy, Beethoven: Cello & Piano Music: Grabois & Nauman

Manufacturer: Reflex Editions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008O0TV
Release Date: 2003-02-15

Album Description

The repertoire on this CD, the first issue of the newly launched label, Reflex Editions, demonstrates a wide range of style, technique and timbre. The disc includes three pieces for cello and piano. The first piece, 7 Variations in Eb major on "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen" from Mozart's The Magic Flute, WoO 46 (1801), shows off Beethoven's art of variations which playfully makes us chase Mozart lurking underneath Beethoven. Debussy's Sonata for Cello and Piano (1915) allows the instrumentalists a full palette of subtly changing colors and textures with memorable pizzicato passages for the cello. The last piece, the Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano, op. 19 (1901) by Sergei Rachmaninov, by contrast, is a work of grand gestures with sweeping melodies and sonorous harmonies, bathed in the composer's hallmark melancholy.

Customer Reviews:

classical musician.......2005-06-26

This CD is fabulous start to finish. The players have a stunning sense of style and pacing for all three pieces. They play with color, flow, and a nice feeling of time and space in the music. The playing is alternately crisp and beautifully lyrical and singing. Both players have total command technically and beautiful sounds. I highly recommend the CD.

Highly Recommended.......2003-05-15

This is a marvelous recording by two expert musicians who play with the unabashed full-blooded approach most often associated with the (regrettably) bygone so-called "golden age" of string players and pianists during the first half of the 20th century, an age which combined lyrical simplicity, emotional pathos, and breathtaking virtuosic dash.
There is nothing apologetic about this music-making--the Beethoven, while appropriately restrained, remains songful and playful, and the performers very capably traverse a broad spectrum of moods within a surprisingly short span of time. The Debussy is delightfully mercurial. My favorite selection is definitely the lesser-known but top-drawer Rachmaninov Sonata, to which the cellist brings a sensuous operatic intensity and the pianist plays what can only be described as virtuoso piano writing with utter command and bravura (I have heard other renditions of this piece--I don't believe you'll find a faster, more exciting version of the Allegro Scherzando, or a more plaintive Andante).
Listeners not familiar with the piano and cello literature will find this recording an extremely rewarding introduction. And connoissieurs would do well to acquaint themselves with this unusually committed and fine recording, which includes some unusual and interesting liner notes as well. Hats off!

Great performance.......2003-03-19

I have not heard of this cellist before, but I am guessing I'll be hearing more of him soon! This is a fantastic cd, and I recommend it highly. The cello playing kind of reminds me of Rostropovitch - very singing, with a rich sound. The recording quality is beautiful, and the repertoire is great. I hope this guy puts out another cd SOON.

Loved it!.......2003-03-14

This is one of the best recordings I have heard in a while. It's incredibly satisfying, both for the repertoire and for Grabois' and Nauman's playing of it (especially if you like romantic music as much as I do). Expressive and passionate playing of beautiful music doesn't get better than this!

Distant Playing Fields: 20th Century Vocal Chamber Works by Amy Beach & William Mayer

Average customer rating:

Distant Playing Fields: 20th Century Vocal Chamber Works by Amy Beach & William Mayer

Manufacturer: Newport Classic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000067TI
Release Date: 1998-03-17

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