MusicNew Music Reviews

CHOPIN: CHAMBER MUSIC
Cello Sonata * Piano Trio * Grand Duo
Andreas Brantelid – Cello
Marianna Shirinyan – Piano
Vilde Frang – Violin
EMI 50999 6 87742 2 6

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth, Andreas Brantelid presents the composers chamber music for cello. As in all Chopin’s music one cannot but admire his talent for creating a wide variety of moods, from the intimate passion of the Cello Sonata and Piano Trio to the dramatic virtuosity of the Grand Duo concertant. However, I do not believe they are the most inspired works of Chopin’s output and therefore it is up to the chamber musicians to excel as these pieces are packed with dramatic possibilities.

In this recording you can hear three of Europe’s most acclaimed young rising talents: Vilde Frang, the young Norwegian violinist and protégée of Anne-Sophie Mutter, the Armenian pianist Marianna Shirinyan and the Danish cellist Andreas Brantelid. In the Cello Sonata Brantelid is technically perfect and there is a youthful enthusiasm but some sections of the first movement lack gravitas and credibility.

In the Piano Trio the ensemble is more subtle and Vilde Frang’s lyricism is really magical. Marianna Shirinyan displays a masterly approach and she has a natural affinity for Chopin’s piano style. Brantelid stays well within the ensemble adding to the whole with sensitivity and a secure technique. The Piano Trio is the most rewarding work of the CD.

The Grand Duo concertant on themes from Meyerbeer’s Robert le Diable is tuneful and well performed but it lacks cohesion and seems to carry on too long.

by Mike Ford