Much of the music to emerge from Poland in the latter half of the twentieth century focused on attaining new dimensions in sound and technique. While composers like
Penderecki and
Lutoslawski were blazing this new path, Krysztof Meyer was taking his own path and producing music that is decidedly melodic and even programmatic in nature while incorporating a clearly modern harmonic palate. This album features Meyer's complete works for cello and piano: two sonatas and the Canzona of Op. 56. These works are instantly gratifying. They play well to the cello's wide range and assortment of colors. Meyer refers to his own works as "sound narration" and that is precisely the impression that listeners are given. That is, the three compositions seem to be telling listeners a story even though there is one. The two sonatas each have one movement of fierce, virtuosic interjection, but the remainder of the tracks focus on emotions such as introspection, sorrow, and yearning. Performing these three works is the young, talented Evva Mizerska. To take on an entire program of little-known, modern works for a debut album takes courage, but Mizerska pulls it off as if she'd been recording for decades. Her technique is vast, but more importantly for Meyer's music, she possesses powerful interpretive tools that ensure she is communicating with her listeners from moment one. Tone is rich and powerful, balance is quite nice, and overall sound quality is completely enjoyable. Joined by equally insightful and skilled pianists
Emma Abbate and Katarzyna Glensk, this album is a welcome addition for cello and chamber music fans.