Zemlinsky: Cello Sonata (2007)

It's still surprising that in this day and age, new, undiscovered manuscripts continue to pop up on occasion. In this case, the newly discovered gem is the Zemlinsky Cello Sonata, unearthed by cellist Raphael Wallfisch more than a century after its premiere and near-slip into oblivion. The youthful work is a welcome addition to the existing cello sonata repertoire. The sonata runs the gamut of emotions from coy and mysterious, maniacal and tumultuous, to serene and melancholy. The cello community owes Wallfisch a debt of ... Read More

It's still surprising that in this day and age, new, undiscovered manuscripts continue to pop up on occasion. In this case, the newly discovered gem is the Zemlinsky Cello Sonata, unearthed by cellist Raphael Wallfisch more than a century after its premiere and near-slip into oblivion. The youthful work is a welcome addition to the existing cello sonata repertoire. The sonata runs the gamut of emotions from coy and mysterious, maniacal and tumultuous, to serene and melancholy. The cello community owes Wallfisch a debt of thanks not only for the discovery of this sonata, but also for introducing it with a magnificent premiere recording. Wallfisch's performance is as confident and refined as any more well-known works. Pianist John York does a masterful job accompanying throughout the album; his playing is powerful and vital without ever obscuring or overpowering the cello. The other works on the album are equally as enjoyable, though quite different. The Goldmark sonata is a much more reserved and... Read Less