This disc is an enjoyable one and listeners will be pleased to hear Volume 2 is soon to be released. The musicians were on the New Zealand School of Music staff in Wellington when this was recorded in 2011.
Megiddo shows her international experience and benefit of lessons from Rostropovich in a passionate performance, playing with zest and deep tones, accompanied by Liu, a talented pianist also with international experience.
The programme is interesting, containing a popular Twelve Variations on ‘‘See the Conqu’ring Hero Comes’’ (from Handel’s opera Judas Maccabaeus written 50 years earlier.) The recital ends with another item showing Beethoven’s penchant to play with other composers’ works: Seven Variations on Bei Mannern welche Liebe Fulhen inspired by Mozart’s The Magic Flute opera.
Beethoven when young was admired for his improvisations. Living in an age before copyright, his borrowings were inspired by admiration of other composers rather than plagiarism. The variations are a celebration of the works, plus a chance to show his own ability to adorn them in many amazing ways, changing harmony, rhythm and melody while still reflecting on the brilliance of the original tunes.
The earlier part of the disc will be serious listening for chamber music lovers, featuring two of the master’s cello sonatas: No.3 in A major, Op.99 and No.4 in C major, Op.192 No.1. No.3 with a contemplative opening and Scherzo full of surprises leads to a final Allegro Vivace full of happiness: a popular masterpiece. No.4 shows Beethoven exploring other changes of style in his "late" period but emerging again with the joy of an Allegro Vivace.
Verdict: Beethoven happy with cello.
- Geoff Adams
