Max Reger: Sonaten für Cello & Klavier Nr.1-4 on 2 CDs

Alban Gerhardt weiß durch einen anziehenden vibrierenden Ton, eine profunde Musikalität und ein überlegenes technisches Können zu überzeugen. Sein Klang ist unverwechselbar und seine Interpretationen zeichnen sich durch höchste Originalität aus. Auf seiner zweiten Kammermusik-CD für Hyperion präsentiert Gerhardt nun Max Reger. Neben den vier Cellosonaten sind auch die drei unbegleiteten, an Bach orientierten Cellosuiten aus dem Jahr 1915 zu hören, die zu den schwierigsten Solo-Werken für dieses Instrument zählen.

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Alban Gerhardt's profound musicality and charisma have made him one of the most sought-after cellists of his generation. His ebullient personality is present in all his performances; he is nevertheless passionately committed to the intentions of the composer, and his recordings are always the product of an intense personal journey into every aspect of the music. Gerhardt's espousal of Reger's cello sonatas and suites is thus greatly welcomed. Pianist Markus Becker has released twelve discs of Reger's keyboard music and is an ideal interpreter. Reger's cello sonatas and suites demonstrate every facet of this complex composer and individual. The composer's passionate commitment to German Romanticism and his neo-Classical inspirations are both here: the great influence by Brahms and then the conscious shrugging-off of that mantle in the face of a complex and progressive stylistic advance. The sonatas span the duration of his career and culminate in the late unaccompanied suites, whose ambition to emulate J S Bach is both patent and largely fulfilled. The duo sonatas demand—and receive in this recording—not only a cellist of unusual powers of empathy and bravura, but also a first-rate pianist. This is fascinating and difficult repertoire, wonderfully performed and recorded.

Rezensionen

»Superbly played by these two gifted soloists« (Classic FM Magazine)

»The playing is outstanding and the two musicians work today beautifully … I can recommend this set highly for both suites and sonatas« (American Record Guide)

»This is a stimulating package, very well played: both artists produce the passionate response demanded of them. Alban Gerhardt has a warm, resonant middle register and Markus Becker is well able to undertake the music's considerable virtuosity« (Gramophone)

»This is music that makes huge technical demands on the players, and the performances are all outstanding; this set represents an important act of rehabilitation for music that is almost unknown« (The Guardian)

Reviews