Live recordings from an esteemed cellist prove a mixed bag
The Strad Issue: April 2026
Description: Live recordings from an esteemed cellist prove a mixed bag
Musicians: Alexander Kniazev (cello) Yokohama Sinfonietta/Kazuki Yamada
Works: Shostakovich: Cello Concertos nos.1 and 2
Catalogue number: AVANTI AVA10672
Performing with the good and great, Russian cellist Alexander Kniazev has certainly enjoyed an illustrious career. These live recordings, though, are a somewhat mixed experience and don’t rank favourably with some of the more formidable versions in the current catalogue.
Kniazev adopts a deliberate, gritty approach to the opening Allegretto of the First Concerto, which seems entirely apposite to the oppressive nature of the musical invention. At the same time, a brisker tempo, adopted by many soloists, would have propelled the musical argument forward more effectively, and served as a useful foil for the icy harmonics of the ensuing Moderato.
That said, the performance is carefully honed in terms of ensemble, with incisive conducting from Kazuki Yamada, even if the orchestra can’t compete with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra for Heinrich Schiff.
The long cello introduction to the Second Concerto is well depicted, but not as subtle and evocative as in some other interpretations, especially the breathtaking account from Pieter Wispelwey. Kniazev’s bow changes on the long notes are also far too conspicuous.
If the first movement doesn’t quite come off, Kniazev is more convincing in the second movement and finale, his rough and ready approach to the percussive sections of the score and a numbness in the reflective passages mirroring the torpid atmosphere of this particular work.
JOANNE TALBOT
No comments yet