Mendelssohn: Cello Sonatas; Songs without Words

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Felix Mendelssohn with this captivating album, released in 2002 by Deutsche Grammophon. This collection showcases Mendelssohn's mastery of chamber music, featuring his two Cello Sonatas, a set of Variations Concertantes, and a selection of his renowned Songs Without Words, beautifully transcribed for cello and piano.

The album opens with the vibrant Cello Sonata No. 2 in D Major, Op. 58, a piece that sparkles with Mendelssohn's characteristic wit and elegance. The sonata is followed by the Variations Concertantes, Op. 17, a delightful display of Mendelssohn's compositional prowess, where each variation builds upon the theme with increasing complexity and charm.

The second half of the album is dedicated to Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words, originally composed for solo piano. These pieces, transcribed for cello and piano, reveal a new depth and resonance, as if they were always intended for the rich, expressive timbre of the cello. The selection includes some of Mendelssohn's most beloved melodies, such as "Auf Flügeln des Gesanges" and "Suleika," each one a miniature masterpiece of lyrical beauty.

The album concludes with the Cello Sonata No. 1 in B Flat Major, Op. 45, a work that showcases Mendelssohn's ability to blend technical virtuosity with profound emotional expression. The sonata's final movement, a lively and spirited Allegro assai, brings the album to a thrilling close.

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Mendelssohn's music for cello and piano. Whether you're a longtime fan of Mendelssohn's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to delight and inspire.