Feuermann - CC1003

Emanuel Feuermann

Rare recordings from
1934 to 1942

Cello Classics CC1003

Albeniz Tango;  Bloch Prayer from Jewish Life; Chopin Nocturne in Eb Op.9 No.2, Introduction and Polonaise Brillante; Davidoff At the Fountain; Dvorak Concerto Op. 104: Slow Mvt.; Handel Adagio and Allegro;  Victor Herbert Concerto Slow Mvt.;  Mendelssohn Spring Song Op. 62 No.6; Popper Spinning Song; Rubinstein Melody in F; Sarasate Zapateado; Schumann Zigeunerleben Op. 29 No 3; Sgambati Serenata Napoletana;  Tchaikovsky Valse Sentimantale Op. 51 No. 6; Valentini Gavotta and Allegro; Weber Andantino.
Total playing time 74 mins

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.

What makes this collection so exciting to lovers of great cello playing, and the work of Feuermann in particular, is that some of the tracks are here presented for the first time on CD; indeed, several have never appeared since they were originally released on 78s in the 1930s. The rendition of Popper’s “Spinning Song” is a remarkable performance of a truly virtuosic miniature, and must be heard to be believed.

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!"
Gramophone   August 2001

"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."
Paul Driver   Sunday Times   5th May 2001

"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."