From Deseret News archives:

Duo's Brahms album is stunning, articulate

Published: Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005 5:10 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
DAVID FINCKEL, CELLO, WU HAN, PIANO; Brahms (ArtistLed)****

The husband-and-wife duo of David Finckel and Wu Han have explored the cello/piano literature in a series of albums they've released on the ArtistLed label, the company they founded in 1997. And at long last, they've come to the music of Johannes Brahms.

Brahms only wrote two sonatas for cello and piano, but both are masterpieces of the repertoire.

The first, in E minor, written in the years 1862-65, is filled with a warm expressiveness and an impassioned urgency that, while subdued compared to some of his other works, nevertheless is charged with dramatic potency and energy.

The second, in F major, written some 20 years later, is a richly textured work that contains one of the most hauntingly evocative adagios that Brahms ever penned.

Both sonatas are given deeply felt and emotionally charged performances by Finckel and Wu Han. They capture the depth and passion of the music wonderfully. Finckel is an amazing cellist with a prodigious technique and a musicality to match. And Wu Han is no less remarkable. A pianist with sensitivity, she brings perceptiveness and dimension to the readings.

Story continues below
Rounding out this stunning album are the Six Pieces for Solo Piano, op. 118, which gives the listener a chance to hear Wu Han's talents as a soloist. These are beautifully articulate and perceptive readings that capture the depth of feeling that Brahms expresses.

Particularly wondrous is her poetic playing of the evocative A major Intermezzo and her dramatic turn in the G minor Ballade.

ArtistLed albums are only available online at www.artistled.com.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Related content
previousnext

Latest comments

No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure...

If you really think Mormon's are mainstream, you must not have paid attention...

I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...

Big games keep UHSAA coffers full

why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...

A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...

I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...

A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...

she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...

Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons

Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...

Photos: A Royal welcome home

Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...

Advertisements
Advertisement