LEONARD ROSE
Complete Concerto and Sonata Recordings
Sony Classical 88985490172 (14 CDs) / *****
The American cellist Leonard Rose
(1918-1984) is fondly remembered for his trio with violinist Isaac Stern and
pianist Eugene Istomin, besides being the teacher of renowned cellists Yo-Yo Ma
and Lynn Harrell. These reissued recordings, originally issued on the Columbia
Masterworks label date from 1945 to 1974, demonstrate the breadth, depth and
wide-ranging scope of his artistry.
There are two recordings of Ernest
Bloch’s Hebraic rhapsody Schelomo (inspired by the life and passion of
King Solomon). Recorded in 1951 (Dimitri Mitropoulos conducting) and 1961 (with
Eugene Ormandy), his deep, voluminous singing tone may be best appreciated
here.
Also duplicated is the popular tandem of Brahms’ Double Concerto
(1954 and 1964) and Beethoven’s Triple Concerto (1949 and 1964), both
with different partners and conductors. There are also concertos by Dvorak,
Tchaikovsky (Rococo Variations), Lalo, Saint-Saëns, Robert Schumann and
William Schuman, which received totally committed readings.
Away from concertos, there are
excellent accounts of cello sonatas by Schubert, Franck, Brahms, Grieg,
Boccherini and Sammartini, all with pianist Leonid Hambro. Previously
unreleased and heard for the first time are two Beethoven sonatas (Op.69 and
Op.102 No.2).
The latest recording is also the strangest: J.S.Bach’s three
Viola da gamba Sonatas, partnered no less by eccentric Canadian pianist
Glenn Gould who constantly tries to upstage him. Many of the 1960s recordings
enjoy highly realistic sound, as if just recorded yesterday.
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