- Cello Sonatas Nos. 1-5 (complete) and variations
Performed by Matt Haimovitz, cello, and Christopher O’Riley, fortepiano.
This release features the complete sonatas and variations for fortepiano and violoncello, recorded on period instruments. In this collaboration, Matt Haimovitz plays his own Goffriller cello, crafted in Venice, Italy; and Christopher O’Riley plays on an original Broadwood fortepiano made in 1823.
Both Haimovitz and O’Riley play this music with sensitivity and delightful phrasing from beginning to end, producing dramatic and lyrical effects. Be prepared to be amazed by every single one of these Beethoven masterpieces.
Christopher O’Riley plays a modern recreation of a piano from Beethoven’s time, which has a very distinct sound that’s different from modern pianos. This sound is mixed beautifully with the lush tone that Haimovitz produces from his 1713 cello with natural gut strings.
The interpretations of these sonatas are accomplished with period-appropriate elegance and restraint. These are beautiful and profound sonatas, and Haimovitz and O’Riley do them justice.
Here is an Extended Trailer of the CD titled “BEETHOVEN, Period”, as performed by Matt Haimovitz and Christopher O’Riley:
And next, here is Cellist Matt Haimovitz Performing Bach’s Cello Suite No. 6, First Movement, on The High Line in Lower Manhattan on Aug. 16, 2012:
Tags: Beethoven Cello sonatas, Matt Heimovitz, Christopher O’Riley, “Beethoven Period”, Broadwood fortepiano, Goffriller cello
