Gaspar CASSADÓ (1897-1966)
Sonata in the Old Spanish Style [17:00]
Gabriel FAURÉ (1845-1924)
Romance, Op. 69 [4:07]
Sicilienne, Op. 78 [4:19]
Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856)
Five Pieces in Folk Style, Op. 102 [16:25]
Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943)
Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14 [6:01]
All works arranged by Myroslav Krill for cello & string ensemble
Denis Severin (cello)
Camerata Franconia strings/Dorian Keilhack
rec. 2019, Musikinstitut, Erlanger, Germany
SOLO MUSICA SM318 [47:57]
Cellist Denis Severin with the Camerata Franconia strings present a programme of five Romantic works for cello and string ensemble. In the notes, Severin explains that such works, including concertos, were common in the Baroque and Classical periods. It was far less so in the Romantic era, when the solo cello was commonly accompanied by a full symphony orchestra: consider concertos by Schumann, Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Elgar and Saint-Saëns. Severin appreciates pieces that expand the breadth of repertoire available to him. He has chosen five arrangements for cello and strings prepared by Myroslav Krill.
Severin, a prize-winning cellist on the international stage, started off his serious training at Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Moscow. He continued his studies at University of Music in Geneva and at Music Academy, Basel. He also received instruction in baroque cello, chamber music and string quartet with Prof. Christophe Coin at Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, and has participated in masterclasses with several eminent cellists. He serves as Professor of cello at both the Geneva-Neuchâtel University of Music and Bern University of the Arts, teaches as a visiting professor, and gives masterclasses. Closely engaged in the broader classical music world, Severin is involved in international educational artistic projects and associations, and serves as a jury member at international music competitions.
The chamber orchestra Camerata Franconia, based in Erlangen near Nuremberg, Bavaria, was founded in 2013. Erlangen is also the birthplace of the conductor on this recording, Dorian Keilhack. Since 2013, he has been the orchestra’s artistic director and principal conductor.
The opening work on the album, Sonata in the Old Spanish Style for cello and piano from 1925 by Barcelona-born cellist and composer Gaspar Cassadó, has been arranged for cello and strings. Severin responds with vivacity to this highly enjoyable Sonata, unmistakably imbued with Spanish atmosphere and colour. Grave e maestoso, the second movement, has the character of a lament. It stands out for Severin’s heartfelt playing and his instrument’s impressive sound.
Renowned French composer Gabriel Fauré is represented by arrangements of his attractive pair of cello and piano works, the Romance written 1894 and the Sicilienne from 1898. In the much-admired and gloriously melodic Sicilienne, Severin’s playing reveals a penetrating, brooding melancholy, with first-class accompaniment from the Camerata strings.
Robert Schumann had taken cello lessons in his youth, although his primary intention was to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist until an injury prevented it. For a short period in 1849-1850, he turned his focus to writing specifically for the cello. The Five Pieces in Folk Style for cello and piano, Op. 102 were closely followed by the Cello Concerto, Op. 129. (At that time, Schumann also wrote the Adagio and Allegro for horn and piano Op. 70 and Three Fantasy Pieces for clarinet and piano, Op. 73. Both can be played in versions for cello and piano.) Clearly relishing the high romanticism of the much acclaimed Five Pieces, Severin – adeptly supported by the Camerata strings – gives a polished and convincingly focused performance. Especially compelling is the fourth two-minute piece marked Nicht zu rasch. Severin communicates a cheerfully upbeat and optimistic disposition to the writing with its contrasting central section of unsettled expression.
Sergei Rachmaninov’s Vocalise, a beguiling wordless song from 1912, has become a perennial favourite both in the concert/recital hall and on record. The work, the last of the set of Rachmaninov’s Fourteen Songs, Op. 34, is dedicated to the soprano Antonina Nezhdanova. Over the years, Vocalise has been the subject of a host of arrangements. They range orchestra, cello, soprano and orchestra, and violin to jazz ensemble, double bass, euphonium and theremin. Severin and the Camerata strings play Krill’s arrangement of Vocalise exquisitely. They successfully reveal the score’s hauntingly elegiac quality.
One senses Saverin’s unshakeable confidence in his chosen material. In a splendidly accomplishment, the cellist’s focused and resolute playing communicates a decidedly characterful level of performance. Severin demonstrates pinpoint intonation on his cello by luthier George Panormo (London, 1820) fitted with Tomastik metal strings; it has a lovely, textured sound. Under the baton of Dorian Keilhack, the string section of the Camerata Franconia is in compelling form, just getting on with the job of accompanying the cellist as effectively as possible. The fortifying alertness and unified playing provide just the right level of expression. The gratifying sonics are clear and well balanced between Severin’s cello and string ensemble. In the booklet, Denis Severin has written his own essay which gives concise information on each work.
This Romantic programme makes irresistible listening. Cellist Denis Severin’s stylish and expressively accomplished performances with the Camerata Franconia strings do full justice to Myroslav Krill’s expert arrangements for cello and strings.
Michael Cookson
