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Discussion: reVisions - Steven Isserlis

Posts: 3

Post by srl1 August 9, 2010 (1 of 3)
This disc came in the same shipment with the Beethoven/Brautigam 5th Piano Concerto and Choral Fantasy (see separate thread). I have come recently to appreciate the cello and all of its wonders. It started the first time I heard the Elgar Concerto with Du Pre and Barbirolli a few years ago. It still is the most moving piece of music I've ever heard. Close behind is the Dvorak with Starker on Mercury.

Anyway, this disc fascinated me, so I decided to give it a try. From what I can tell, all four pieces were either completed or arranged for Mr. Isserlis. The Bloch is divine. The Debussy is addictive. The Ravel is tender. The Prokofiev will take some time to appreciate.

All four are beautifully recorded. The cello sounds full but not tubby. Someone recently wrote that the cello is difficult to record well. This seems to be a good likeness. Another keeper from BIS.

Post by TerraEpon December 7, 2010 (2 of 3)
I really like this recording, even though the Debussy isn't orchestrated very Debussy-like (unlike, say, Matthews orchestrations of the Preludes). I've actually pondered orchestrating Danse Bohemienne myself some years ago for school, so even with the cello part, it's interesting to see someone else do it.
The Prokofiev in this version seems to work better than the Kabalevsky orchestration (and for me, I much prefer it as a piece over the Sinfonia Concertante/Concerto).
The decision to swap the last two movements of the Bloch was a very interesting, and really works, even though I'm normally a stickler for keeping the composer's intentions.
The disc is indeed a clear winner, and I hope Mr. Isserlis continues his relationship with BIS, offering such unique repertoire (the previous disc, Children's Cello, is RBCD but is also highly recommendable).

Post by krisjan December 7, 2010 (3 of 3)
I like this one a lot too. Very creative and interesting repertoire. I may not get around to writing a review so I wanted to say that Isserlis's liner notes are both humorous and insightful. Anyone looking to expand their horizons beyond the usual Mahler and Shosty SACD's should explore this excellent release.

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