KAPUSTIN Works for Cello
CHRISTINE RAUH, Cello et al
SWR Music 19002 / *****
The
jazz-influenced music of Ukrainian composer Nikolai Kapustin (born 1937) is no
longer a stranger in concert halls, especially his highly virtuosic piano
works. His small output of cello works
has finally received their due in the very capable hands of young German
cellist Christine Rauh.
The two major works in this collection are his Second
Cello Concerto (Op.103) and Second Cello Sonata (Op.84). The Concerto,
premiered by Rauh in 2014, leans more to film music rather than strict jazz,
with an achingly beautiful slow movement that sounds like a tribute to classic
Hollywood romances. She is accompanied by the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie
Saarbrucken Kaiserslautern conducted by Nicholas Collon.
The
Sonata, as well as shorter pieces like Elegy (Op.96), Burlesque
(Op.97) and Nearly Waltz (Op.98), are partnered by Benyamin Nuss on
piano. These musings sound like jazz improvisations even if the parts were
meticulously scored by the composer. The cello turns accompanist in Duett for
alto sax and cello (Op.99) where an irrepressible saxophonist Peter Lehel holds
court.
Two of Kapustin's Piano Etudes (Op.40) have been transcribed for
cello and vibraphone, with percussionist Ni Fan in support. As an encore, Rauh
and Nuss' Hommage A Kapustin is a brief and touching tribute. Here are
nearly 80 minutes of highly enjoyable listening.
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