One of the glories of Haydn’s two cello concertos is that once you begin listening to them, it is impossible to stop. Haydn composed the concerto in C Major between 1761 and 1765, in his first years as court composer to Prince Esterhazy in Eisenstadt. It was probably intended for Joseph Weigl, the court cellist who must have been quite a virtuoso, judging by the bravura writing for the soloist. The concerto was lost for nearly 200 years, languishing in a trunk in Prague until it was rediscovered in 1961. Questions as to its authenticity are answered by its sheer brilliance. The concerto is radiant with sunlight, a true product of the galant age. Its authenticity is accepted by most scholars. Young Ms. Hecker, born in 1987, plays the concerto with stunning assurance and consummate skill. Although she lacks the sheer force of will that distinguishes Jacqueline du Pre in her recording of the concerto, Hecker exhibits a confidence and grace well beyond her years. Hers will be a career to watch.
The Pezzo capriccioso is a short piece, lyrical on the surface, troubled beneath. Mr. Kharadze plays with a smooth legato, always probing for the rivulets of fear that permeate this music. Georgian composer Vaja Azarashvili has composed a fine single-movement cello concerto, deeply elegaic in tone, with a sharp, pulsating middle movement reminiscent of Stravinsky. Mr. Kharadze highlights the anguish of the piece in the slow portions, shifting to an energetic, percussive technique for its propulsive middle section. He makes a convincing case for this concerto, composed in 1970. The Ginastera Glosses on Themes of Pablo Casals, five movements of varied mood and effect, incorporates themes written by Casals. This fiery, astringent composition was written in 1976 as celebration of the great cellist’s 100th birthday. It is brilliantly performed by the Kremerata Baltica, who play this difficult music with expressive zeal, never losing the flow of its musical logic. Jazz pianist/composer Chick Corea’s famous La Fiesta serves as a joyous conclusion. Played with effervescent panache by all hands, it makes a splendid finale to a superb CD. The DSD sound of the original recording is sparkling and clear, highlighting the strings with brightness and warmth. This is a Cello Fiesta to which all are invited, showcasing young musicians whose talents are obvious. You will enjoy this one.
– – Mike Birman
