Aram Amatuni & Igor Tchetuev - Poulenc, Janáček & Rachmaninoff: Chamber Works (2023) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Poulenc's Cello Sonata is technically demanding for every cellist. Since he had a great affinity for woodwind instruments, his notation is not really tailored to the requirements of a string instrument. He himself was aware of this fact, so he sought expert advice on the composition from the famous cellist Pierre Fournier, who was also the dedicatee and soloist of the premiere in 1948. “Everything we see, hear and touch is connected with feeling.” This is how Leoš Janáček defined his artistic attitude, from which an idiosyncratic musical language emerged that was hardly comparable to other models or traditions of his time. Pohádka means - translated from Czech - “fairy tale”. The model is a fairy tale written by the Russian romantic Wassiliy Shukovskj (1783–1852) about the love of a prince for a princess. This choice of topic shows Janáček's enthusiasm for Russian culture.

Sergei Rachmaninoff was in the spotlight as a generous piano virtuoso, but as a composer he was more of a thoughtful, self-doubter. His first symphony was a failure with audiences. This experience of failure led him into a depression and creative crisis that lasted several years. Three years later he was released from it through a new type of hypnosis therapy, which was tantamount to an artistic rebirth. His second piano concerto emerged like a phoenix from the ashes and was enthusiastically celebrated. Shortly afterwards he created his sonata for piano and cello opus 19, which is now considered one of his most brilliant compositions. Thematically and motivically, the four movements lead from darkness into light. It was dedicated to the cellist Anatoly Bradukow.

Tracklist:
01. Cello Sonata, FP 143: I. Allegro – Tempo di marcia
02. Cello Sonata, FP 143: II. Cavatine
03. Cello Sonata, FP 143: III. Ballabile
04. Cello Sonata, FP 143: IV. Finale
05. Pohádka, JW VII/5: I. Con moto
06. Pohádka, JW VII/5: II. Con moto
07. Pohádka, JW VII/5: III. Allegro
08. Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19: I. Lento - Allegro moderato
09. Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19: II. Allegro scherzando
10. Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19: III. Andante
11. Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19: IV. Allegro mosso


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