Doris Hochscheid & Frans van Ruth - Dutch Sonatas for Violoncello and Piano Vol. 6 (2014) [SACD]

Doris Hochscheid and Franz van Ruth have set standards. Their Audiomax series featuring Dutch Cello Sonatas has gained cult status and is a top item on gift lists – and not only for cellists. Now Vol. 6 makes its debut – once again revealing a completely new tone color.

Dutch Cello Sonatas – Premiere Recordings of the First Rank:
Doris Hochscheid and Frans van Ruth Continue their Invigorating Journey of Discovery on Vol. 6
As a young man, Ignace Lilien set out by bicycle from his native Lemberg (today’s Lviv in the Ukraine) to take a tour of Europe. In The Hague he was surprised by the outbreak of World War I and prevented from returning home. In his creative baggage he had brought with him the glorious Habsburg musical tradition reflected in his cello sonata. In the first movement one thinks that one is hearing Gustav Mahler, the second movement displays reminiscences of the waltz capital, and the concluding movement begins with an exuberant theme recalling a carillon and a children’s choir – and everything has what is clearly a Dutch polyphonic color!

Even “home-grown” Dutch sonatas absolutely merit discovery. Just listen to the magnificent expression in Leo Orthel’s composition pervaded by highly virtuosic passages for both musicians or to the intricate polyrhythmic and polytonal weave of Piet Ketting’s sonata, which is somewhat reminiscent of his teacher Willem Pijper! Henk Andriessen, an organist by trade, cannot deny the French influence shaping his music, especially from Franck and Roussel. Once again an enthralling addition to the repertoire, and the captivating and enthusiastic performance style of the interpreters is an extra plus on what seems destined to become a favorite disc for all chamber music fans!


Tracks:

Léon Orthel (1905-1985)
Sonata for violoncello and piano No. 2 op. 41 (1958) 19:29
1 Andante tranquillo 07:33
2 Vivo 05:19
3 Andante 06:36

Piet Ketting (1904-1984)
Sonata for violoncello and piano (1928) 14:59
4 Lento 07:35
5 Poco Allegro 07:23

Hendrik Andriessen (1892-1981)
Sonata for violoncello and piano (1926) 16:09
6 Andante tranquillo 05:05
7 Allegro capriccioso 03:53
8 Allegro capriccioso 02:52
9 Molto allegro, ma gracioso 04:17

Ignace Lilien (1897-1964)
Sonata for violoncello and piano No. 1 (1918) 19:25
10 Allegro 07:01
11 Andante 06:26
12 Allegro 05:57

Personnel:

Doris Hochscheid: violoncello
Frans van Ruth: piano