Paxton: Cello Sonatas & Concerto

Stephen Paxton's "Paxton: Cello Sonatas & Concerto" is a captivating journey through the world of classical cello music, released on March 2, 2009, under the esteemed label Cello Classics. This album showcases Paxton's exceptional skill and versatility as a cellist, presenting a collection of sonatas and a concerto that span a variety of moods and styles.

The album opens with the Cello Sonata in A Major, Op. 1 No. 1, a piece that immediately draws the audience in with its Allegro moderato movement. Paxton's playing is both delicate and powerful, showcasing the full range of the cello's expressive capabilities. The Adagio movement offers a moment of quiet reflection, while the Rondo brings the sonata to a lively close.

Paxton's interpretation of the Cello Sonata in D Major, Op. 4 No. 6, is equally impressive. The Allegro movement is full of energy and precision, while the Largo sostenuto offers a poignant contrast. The Spiritoso movement brings the sonata to a spirited conclusion, demonstrating Paxton's technical prowess and musical sensitivity.

The Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 1 No. 4, is another highlight of the album. Paxton's playing in the Allegro movement is both virtuosic and nuanced, while the Cantabile larghetto offers a moment of lyrical beauty. The Allegro con spirito movement brings the sonata to a triumphant close.

The Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 4 No. 5, is a longer work, featuring four movements. Paxton's playing in the Moderato movement is both elegant and expressive, while the Adagio offers a moment of quiet introspection. The Rondeau movement is full of energy and rhythm, while the Grazioso movement brings the sonata to a graceful conclusion.

The album concludes with the Cello Concerto in G Major, a work that showcases Paxton's ability to communicate the full range of human emotion through his playing. The Allegro movement is full of energy and drama, while the Adagio offers a moment of quiet reflection. The Minuetto movement is playful and elegant, while the Affettuoso movement brings the concerto to a deeply moving conclusion.

Throughout the album, Paxton's playing is characterized by a deep understanding of the music and a commitment to expressing its full emotional and technical complexity. The result is a collection of performances that are both technically impressive and deeply moving, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience.