Credits:

Barnum / Cantus

Description:

This disc features cello works by Nikolai Myaskovsky, a composer who has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Active mainly in the first half of the 20th century, Myaskovsky wrote as many as 27 symphonies, and his music combines the late Romantic style with experimental elements, although it also shows the influence of Prokofiev, with whom he had a lifelong friendship. His Cello Concerto is from 1945. It was written for the purpose of expanding the repertoire for the young Soviet virtuoso generation, and has a unique structure in that it begins with a meditative lento ma non troppo, with a short solo cadenza in place of the development section, and the melancholy atmosphere of the first theme and the bright, passionate second theme are The melancholy first theme and the bright, passionate second theme are exquisitely balanced. The following second movement is in rondo form, featuring a lively triplet main melody and two slow episodes. After a gorgeous cadenza, the opening theme reappears, leading to a meditative coda. Other works in the program include two cello sonatas by Myaskovsky and a work by Lyadov, who studied harmony and counterpoint with Rimsky-Korsakov, from whom he learned orchestration techniques.Performed by cellist Raphael Wolfish, known for his wide repertoire. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Cello Concerto Op. 66 in C minor~Lento ma non troppo - Andante - Tempo I
2.Cello Concerto Op. 66 in C minor~Allegro vivace - Piu marcato - Meno mosso - Tempo I
3.Cello Sonata No. 1 Op. 12 in D major~Adagio - Andante
4.Cello Sonata No. 1 Op. 12 in D major~Allegro passionato
5.Prelude Op. 11 No. 1
6.Mazurka Op. 11 No. 3
7.Serenade Op. 37
8.Cello Sonata No. 2 Op. 81 in A minor~Allegro moderato
9.Cello Sonata No. 2 Op. 81 in A minor~Andante cantabile
10.Cello Sonata No. 2 Op. 81 in A minor~Allegro con spirito