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Feuermann - CC1003
Rare recordings from Cello Classics CC1003
The first in Cello Classics’ Historical Series, we are herewith presenting several recordings made by one of the greatest cellists of the twentieth century, while at the height of his powers. Before his untimely death at the age of only 39, Emanuel Feuermann was in demand worldwide; indeed the recordings in this collection span three continents, studio recordings, a live broadcast and a rare early television broadcast. Annette Morreau's book "Emmanuel Feuermann" is available from Yale University Press. "Cello Classics (an offshoot of Clarinet Classics) have come up with a CD of rare Emanuel Feuermann recordings, including dazzling virtuoso performances of pieces by Popper and Sarasate as well as Feuermann's very last recording, the slow movement from Victor Herbert's cello concerto (with piano). The sound quality varies but the playing combines seductive tonal lustre with outrageous dexterity. The Popper in particular parades so many notes in such quick succession that you would never expect them all to register accurately. And they do!" "Played like this, with Feuermann's intensely "speaking" quality, addictive beauty of tone, expressive agility of mind and effortless virtuosity, Tchaikovsky's Valse Sentimentale, Sgambati's Serenata Napoletana, Sarasate's Zapateado and Popper's Spinning Song leap from the salon to the stars." "The lightness of his cross-string bowing at the top of the instrument in Popper's Spinning Song is quite awe-inspiring ...." (Chopin's Nocturne in E flat)..."graceful phrasing, portamentos and expressive moments of double-stopping really demonstrate the way in which he could charm audiences with his playing." |