Doris Hochscheid & Frans van Ruth - Dutch Sonatas for Violoncello and Piano Vol. 4 (2011) [SACD]

Gripping Rhythms – Late Romantic Mellowness
Dutch Cello Sonatas Series with New Surprises
The special appeal of Dutch music lies in the independence it has maintained over the centuries. This independence manifested itself in the 1840s, when composers and musicians began to contemplate their own national identity.

All the composers featured on the present volume were active around the turn of the century, and they once again were able to set out on a new path. Dirk Schäfer wrote, “National music can arouse only secondary interest.” His Cello Sonata op. 13 premiered in the Concertgebouw in 1909 exhibits a rich polyphony relishing in powerful forward drive. The sonata by Henriëtte Bosmans premiered ten years later also continues to thrive on the romantic tradition even if her later predilection for gripping rhythmic structures already flashes forth (e.g., in the concluding movement in 5/8 time). The three character pieces by Gérard Hekking form a pretty programme offering and are performed with dancy verve and plenty of playing wit.

A fascinating knowledge of playing technical potential and the tone-colour palette are proper to all the works. This is hardly surprising given the fact that all three composers on this volume were outstanding and highly acclaimed virtuosos: Dirk Schäfer and Henriëtte Bosmans as pianists and Gérard Hekking as a cellist who served as principal cellist of the Concertgebouw Orchestra from 1903 to 1914.


Tracks:

Dirk Schäfer (1873-1931)
Sonata Op. 13 For Violoncello And Piano C Major 21:17
1 Allegro Con Brio 8:08
2 Adagio Non Troppo 6:24
3 Finale: Allegro Assai Agitato 6:45

Henriëtte Bosmans (1895-1952)
Trois Impressions 16:29
4 Cortège. Moderato Assai 5:09
5 Nuit Calme. Très Lent 7:00
6 En Espagne. Allegro Con Brio 4:18
Sonata For Violoncello And Piano A Minor 22:12
7 Allegro Maestoso 9:11
8 Un Poco Allegretto 4:16
9 Adagio 3:34
10 Allegro Molto E Con Fuoco 6:10

Gérard Hekking (1879-1942)
11 Joujou Mécanique 2:57
12 Danse Campagnarde 2:54
13 Danse Pour Les Sakharoff 3:40

Personnel:

Doris Hochscheid: violoncello
Frans van Ruth: piano