Ernst von DOHNÁNYI (1877-1960)
Cello Sonata, Op. 8 (1899) [25.58]
Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849)
Introduction et Polonaise brillante for cello and piano, Op. 3 (1829) [9.40]
Waltz in A minor for piano (1831) Transcribed for cello and piano by Arta
Arnicane [5.41]
Cello Sonata, Op. 65 (1845/46) [30.58]
Duo Arnicans (Florian Arnicans (cello), Arta Arnicane (piano))
rec. 2014, Zurich Radio Studio, Switzerland
SOLO MUSICA SM226 [72.33]
Founded in 2005 Munich-based Solo Musica has released a
number of recordings that frequently contain fascinating repertoire. One of
the finest is this new release from the husband and wife partnership, cellist
Florian Arnicans and pianist Arta Arnicane. What I especially admire is the
choice of repertoire which varies from Chopin’s well known Cello
Sonata to Arta Arnicane’s captivating transcription for cello and
piano of the Waltz in A minor for piano to Dohnányi’s Cello
Sonata a work on the fringes of the repertoire that deserves to be heard
more often.
In his early twenties Dohnányi composed his Sonata for cello and piano
in B flat major, Op. 8 in 1899 and was perhaps inspired by hearing his father
play who was an amateur cellist. Advocacy came from influential music writer
Donald Tovey who considered the Sonata “an important work”.
Written in the grand Romantic tradition this is an imposing four movement
score. Especially impressive is the Finale: Tema con variazioni
which is full of varied moods and vivid colours — bright and cheerful
on the surface with passionate undercurrents.
The first Chopin work is the Introduction et Polonaise brillante
in C major for cello and piano. Written in 1829 it is one of the Polish composer’s
first published works. Perhaps tongue-in-cheek Chopin described the Alla
Polacca, prior to writing the Introduction section, as “Nothing
to it but dazzle, for the salon, for the ladies.” In an interpretation
as excellent as this it is easy to understand the music's continuing
appeal. A welcome addition to the cello and piano repertoire is the Waltz
(No. 2) in A minor from The Trois grandes valses brillantes, Op.
34 from 1831 which Arta Arnicane has sympathetically transcribed for cello
and piano. With its glorious cello melody and sparkling piano part matching
the interest of the cello I can easily see this getting considerable air-play
on a commercial radio station such as Classic FM. A repertoire staple is the
four movement Cello Sonata, Op. 65 written in 1845/46 - one of only
a handful of works Chopin published for an instrument other than the piano.
Chopin wrote the work for virtuoso Auguste Franchomme who is also the dedicatee
of the score. Playing with passion and steadfast dedication the duo here demonstrates
a special affinity for this powerfully attractive Sonata.
Throughout the programme the assured Duo Arnicans communicate an engaging
emotional response secured through judiciously prepared and sharply-honed
playing. Once or twice I was left wanting additional tone colour from the
cello but the overall level of commitment seems to compensate. This CD is
afforded excellent sound quality.
This is a desirable release worthy of attention for its standard of performance
and absorbing programme.
Michael Cookson
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