As I have recently had cause to write in connection
with Daniil Shafran's Cello Classics recording, the Sinfonia Concertante
is a reworking of his Cello Concerto in E minor from 1939. The work
lacks the consistently compulsive invention of the First Violin Concerto.
This is a piece in transition; imperfect chrysalis rather than butterfly.
Nevertheless it is rife with Prokofiev's keen fantasy and romantic edginess.
As yet Han-Na Chang does not cut quite such a dash as Daniil Shafran
although she certainly shines in the central allegro giusto.
Then so does Prokofiev. The orchestral part is rendered with the depth
of character invited by Prokofiev's writing but that strength of character
is not projected by the soloist.
Both Pappano and Han-Na are common to the orchestral
work and the sonata. Here both cellist and pianist strike sparks and
undulating contours off each other much more successfully. This is a
highly desirable reading and is recommended. If you want to be won over
try the scorching allegro ma non troppo finale. Now if only Han-Na
Chang could be inveigled into recording the Schmitt Introit Récit
et Congé …
Rob Barnett
Han-Na Chang (cello)