An excellent idea superbly executed, this disc of Brahms sonatas by cellist
Pieter Wispelwey and pianist
Dejan Lazic is not exactly what it first seems to be. Naturally, the program opens the composer's Cello Sonata No. 1 in E minor, but surprisingly it continues with an arrangement attributed to the composer of his G major Violin Sonata transposed to D major and concludes with a transcription by the cellist of Brahms' F minor clarinet or viola sonata. These changes in the standard program are all for the better because in this way not only are listeners charmed by the familiar -- the E minor Sonata -- but they are delighted by the familiar in a new guise -- the D major and F minor sonata. As always,
Wispelwey is a strong-toned but quintessentially lyrical cellist and his performances ideally suit Brahms' robustly romantic music.
Dejan Lazic,
Wispelwey's usual accompanist and a superb soloist in his own right, comports himself with that combination of virtuosity and sympathy that has marked his playing in these players' other collaborations. Recorded in Channel Classics' clear, deep, and warm sound, this disc should be heard by everyone who loves Brahms.