Andreas Brantelid, Marianna Shirinyan, Vilde Frang - Frederic Chopin: Cello Sonata; Piano Trio; Grand Duo (2010)

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Andreas Brantelid, Marianna Shirinyan, Vilde Frang - Frederic Chopin: Cello Sonata; Piano Trio; Grand Duo (2010)

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It is grand to hear novice players so successfully take on three of Chopin's chamber pieces, the Cello Sonata, Piano Trio, and Grand Duo for cello and piano. There have certainly been great recordings of these works in the past – one thinks immediately of those by Mstislav Rostropovich and Jacqueline du Pré – but the energy, enthusiasm, and sincerity that cellist Andreas Brantelid, pianist Marianna Shirinyan, and violinist Vilde Frang bring to this music more than justifies preserving their performances. Brantelid has a big but nuanced tone, an elegant but impressive technique, and an obvious affinity for the music, and he is well-matched by Shirinyan's polished technique and empathic accompaniments and Frang's easy virtuosity and lyrical interpretation. The ensemble is poised but comfortable and the interpretations are cogent and compelling. Captured in close but smooth digital sound, these performances deserve to be heard by anyone who loves this music, or great chamber music playing.

Review by James Leonard, Allmusic.com

Chopin’s Cello Sonata is so assured, one can only wish he’d returned to the form. It bridges the substantial, formal sonatas of Mendelssohn and Brahms on one side, and the soul and wildness of Rachmaninov’s Sonata on the other. Written for the great French cellist Auguste Franchomme, it may not be vastly virtuosic but holds precious rewards for a cellist willing to dig deep.

Andreas Brantelid has a silken legato and sings the eloquent Largo with ardour. This is a lovingly-prepared performance, with no detail neglected, but in the first movement this does lead to some ponderous moments. Playfulness returns in the Scherzo and there’s greater abandon in the finale.

Chopin cannot be accused of penning an overbearing piano part, but an extremely subtle one, open to a wide range of interpretations. Of available recordings Martha Argerich is the most mercurial (Maisky/DG) and Kathryn Stott the most considered (Mørk/Virgin). Here, Marianna Shirinyan is alive to nuance, though she may lack the riveting unpredictability of Argerich.

Brantelid more than holds his own, but the competition is stiff, Yo-Yo Ma/Emmanuel Ax providing something more lively, while Truls Mørk brings an intensely poetic introspection. Ma’s recording also boasts a fine performance of the Piano Trio, but, again, Brantelid’s performance with the vivacious violinist Vilde Frang is entrancing. They draw us in to an engaging narrative and enjoy the play in the finale. Brantelid acquits himself with aplomb in the Grand Duo Variations; an impressive cellist and definitely one to watch.

Review by Helen Wallace, BBC Music Magazine

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Andreas Brantelid, Marianna Shirinyan, Vilde Frang - Frederic Chopin: Cello Sonata; Piano Trio; Grand Duo (2010)

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Andreas Brantelid, Marianna Shirinyan, Vilde Frang - Frederic Chopin: Cello Sonata; Piano Trio; Grand Duo (2010)

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Andreas Brantelid, Marianna Shirinyan, Vilde Frang - Frederic Chopin: Cello Sonata; Piano Trio; Grand Duo (2010)

Close