Joseph Haydn, Johann Zumsteeg: Cello Concertos

$13.99
Label
Cello Classics
Release Date
June 1, 2009
Format
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HAYDN Cello Concertos: in C; in D. ZUMSTEEG Cello Concerto in A • Sebastian Comberti (vc); O of the Age of Enlightenment • CELLO CC 1023 (69:05)


The trouble with second-rate composers is that typically they seem to be trying just as hard as the geniuses. It’s a strain for us, and must have been for them. So I am happy to report that Johann Rudolf Zumsteeg (1760–1802), whose shorter life was tucked inside the years of Haydn’s (1732–1809), has written a charming, melodically satisfying, and unpretentious cello concerto. It is evidently a student work; it is certainly a work without angst. Its Andante, though, is lovely. There are no churning depths, but don’t some creatures look ravishing just wading? The other good news is that Sebastian Comberti is a consummate cellist with a beautiful tone and taste, and the orchestra is equally adept and musical. Of course, few listeners will be buying this disc for the Zumsteeg. The two Haydn concertos have often been recorded; for years the only recordings of the Concerto in D in my collection were by Fournier and by Feuermann. Since then, Rostropovich made them one of his specialties and there are famous recordings as well by Jacqueline du Pre and by early-music specialists such as Christophe Coin. Still, there is much to recommend in this new recording, including the bright, clear recorded sound, which is better than the sound on any of the above; the polished orchestral playing; and the tasteful, warm-hearted soloist. Comberti has energy, humor, and taste that make these recordings sound really like Haydn, and not Mozart manqué . Then there’s the Zumsteeg instead of the more typical addition, the Boccherini, whose charms would be limited even if Boccherini had composed every note.


FANFARE: Michael Ullman


Product Description:

  • Release Date: June 01, 2009


  • UPC: 5023581102326


  • Catalog Number: CC1023


  • Label: Cello Classics


  • Number of Discs: 1


  • Composer: Haydn, Zumsteeg


  • Orchestra/Ensemble: Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment


  • Performer: Comberti