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Review by madisonears January 30, 2007 (9 of 9 found this review helpful)
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This is a very pleasant performance and excellent recording of very pleasant music. Papa Joe didn't write the most revolutionary stuff, but he knew his craft well and laid the foundation and set a high standard for those who followed. This music didn't change the world, but it made it spin a lot more smoothly.
I suspect the same is true of the performance on this disc. I am not expert in the playing of the cello, but I know when someone is communicating and not just playing notes, and that is what's going on here. The orchestra is all in tune, playing with great ensemble and spirit. Everything proceeds at a lively pace, holding one's interest throughout.
The recording is splendid. When Praga is on their game (which, alas, is not always the case), there is no one better. This has just the right balance between spaciousness and detail, full-bodied yet with remarkable presence and bite.
This music will put a smile on your face, and you'll never miss the money you spent. All Hail Haydn!
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Review by joheirba June 25, 2011 (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
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The word for this CD is balance.
There certainly are more lyrical versions, and there certainly are more virtuoso versions, but the soloists playing keeps a perfect balance between sentiment and expressionism: it seems a little flat at first, but as you listen along, you simply start to enjoy the musical lines, the details of the playing and the sounds of the cello at the same time. You never need to choose between one of these.
Balance too between the orchestra and the soloist: they are clearly listening and playing to each other. There is a beautiful playing together, without the soloist ever disappearing within the orchestra, neither ever jumping in to it.
The recording is great too. The cello has a warm, soft and slightly hollow sound, with beautiful higher tones. It only lacks - in my opinion - the strong expressive sound you'd usually expect from a solo instrument. Especially in the cadenza's, you can hear the soloist struggling to get the most out of the instrument, something that in a sense tends to add to the charm of this recording. But that may be just personal taste.
I also enjoyed the symphony in between the two concerts.
All together it is simply wonderful and captivating !
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