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Review by akiralx June 20, 2005 (11 of 12 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
Channel Classics have done it again - cards on the table, I would seriously say that in multi-channel this is the best sounding SACD recording I have heard, certainly of chamber music. The sense of presence of the piano and cello is miraculous, perfectly blended. The soundstage is generous, without being too large, and the depth of the sonic picture is excellent. You feel you could just reach out and touch the instruments. Here is a perfect example of how to use the rear channels - no surround-sound gimmickry, just ambience to secure the image, rock solid on the 'stage' in front of the listener.
Performance-wise, this set is wonderful also: after the slow introduction of the first sonata op.5 No.1, the byplay of the instruments leaps energetically out of the speakers as the main Allegro begins. The earlier works are the most accessible if you don't know the sonatas.
Wispelwey hardly needs any introduction - he can lay claim to being the best cellist around in the world today (sample his fabulous CD of the Elgar Concerto), and his playing is stunning, but Lazic matches him in imagination here. Technically these sonatas are tricky for the pianist, and often his virtuosity is breathtaking. The interpretations are exuberant, supremely Beethovenian, occasionally explosively exciting - and I would say there are none finer available today.
I'm going to have to give this 5 for performance and MCH sound, with great pleasure and admiration. One of the best SACD sets I own - just get it!
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Review by krisjan November 3, 2006 (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (S): |
I had the pleasure of spending some quality listening time with this SACD last night. This is a very impressive set of performances in great sound. My highest compliments to this duo for bringing these works alive for me. They are a great partnership. I especially love the zesty fast movements which move briskly along in wonderful, cohesive playing. I've heard many other performances of these works (Ma/Ax, Perenyi/Ranki, Finkel/Han are the ones I have in addition to this one) and I think I would come back to Wispelway/Lazic more often than the others though all are good performances IMO.
Sonically, I think this now becomes one of my reference SACD's for chamber group (I listen in 2-channel). Everything is captured so beautifully with excellent instrument timbres and great dynamics. There's enough hall sound to give you the impression of a real recording venue but it does not swamp the tonality of the instruments themselves. The cello sound is deep and resonant as is the piano. It is not perfect though. I can faintly hear some breath intakes once in a while which is distracting to me since you normally don't hear such things in a live concert in the audience. Also, the cello is probably a bit prominant in the sound mix relative to the piano. These are minor quibbles for me because overall I think this is a truly great recording. Great job from all involved!
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Review by nickc August 1, 2005 (5 of 5 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
I totally agree with Alex below - to me this SACD is as good as it currently gets.
Wispelwey is now recognised as one of the world's premier cellists but the pianist, Dejan Lazic, fully matches him in these fantastic performances. They are fully the equal of Rostropovich/Richter in their classic 1960s performances, and I could think of no higher praise than that.
The sound is absolutely perfect, but be warned, if you don't want the instruments in your living room and would prefer them at the far end of some stage don't apply here!
Instruments themselves are pure and smooth as silk; when the pianist plays his bass notes the room almost rumbles.
For the second or third time in all my reviews I would give this disc a Rosette if we had them!
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