GUILLAUME LEKEU (1870-1894)
Cello Sonata (1888)
Three Pieces for piano
(1892)
Jean-Paul Dessy (cello)
Boyan Vodenitcharov (piano)
CYPRES CYP1617
[57.02]
Amazon UK
The minor key expanses of Lekeu's romantic cello sonata extend to just over
three quarters of an hour. The main reference is Beethoven with a very slight
Brahmsian seasoning. This is the work of a young composer who died aged only
24. There is little here to suggest Franck or D'Indy whose voices I was fully
expecting to encounter. The first movement glooms along contentedly for a
full twenty minutes and it must be said (with no disfavour to the great artistry
of the two soloists) that things do seem to sprawl. The urgent second movement
sounds a more original note around a wayward strolling melody - altogether
more exotic - almost Slavonic but with the example of Beethoven (his late
quartets) a presence. There is a cloud-hung lento and, to round out
the picture, a remonstrative five minute Epilogue. This is an awkwardly gawky
but confident work close to the heart of the romantic night storm.
The Three Pieces have a tremulous tender air as if in spiritual sympathy
with Chopin. The first is a simple song, the second an impressionistic valse
oubliée and finally a playfully vivacious dance with at least one
of the woven in popular songs being familiar from Canteloube's Auvergnat
songs.
There is no denying the attraction of this music. Even if the Sonata seems
diffuse it is never less than committedly presented by two enthusiastically
able artists.
Rob Barnett
www.cypres-records.com
