When played well, the cello is one of the most soothing and emotionally moving instruments around. Emanuel Gruber's mastery of this instrument is made evident on this album of Mendelssohn works for cello and piano. Accompanied by Arnon Erez, Gruber has recorded an album that is, in a word, beautiful. His athletic, supple style (certainly aided by the use of a wonderful instrument) effortlessly flows through the Variations concertantes, and Erez's speedy piano never relents as he plays with a flourish. Each variation ...
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When played well, the cello is one of the most soothing and emotionally moving instruments around. Emanuel Gruber's mastery of this instrument is made evident on this album of Mendelssohn works for cello and piano. Accompanied by Arnon Erez, Gruber has recorded an album that is, in a word, beautiful. His athletic, supple style (certainly aided by the use of a wonderful instrument) effortlessly flows through the Variations concertantes, and Erez's speedy piano never relents as he plays with a flourish. Each variation features a particular ability that Gruber possesses: sneaking pizzicato; singing lines; darker, passionate tones; and bright, sunny moods. Even the pianist is clearly giving it his all, using the whole instrument to bring Mendelssohn's joyous music to life. The densely textured Sonata in B flat major is played with engaging fullness. The listener can practically feel how Gruber is playing the instrument with his whole body. And yet he is capable of restraint, for the Andante features a...
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