Raphaël Jouan: Dvořák

The Strad Issue: July 2026

Description: Suave beauty to the fore in this Bohemian warhorse

Musicians: Raphaël Jouan (cello) Orchestre national de Metz Grand Est/David Reiland

Works: Dvořák: Cello Concerto; Rondo op.94; Waldesruhe op.68 no.5

Catalogue number: LA DOLCE VOLTA LDV152

The French cellist Raphaël Jouan enthuses in the booklet interview about the wonders of playing the early 18th-century Gofriller cello on this recording, comparing its sense of infinite possibilities to driving a Ferrari.

The instrument, formerly played by Antonio Meneses, certainly glows here, sounding especially eloquent in the double-stopping in the slow movement’s cadenza. Jouan, a member of the Helios Trio since co-founding it in 2014, makes his orchestral debut recording here facing the band, chamber style. His subtle portamento and rubato bring a fluid finesse to the music – ‘Dvořák à la française’, in his words.

Jouan and conductor David Reiland major on flow, favouring long phrases and legato lines over a more rugged interpretation – even his solo entry in the first movement is more legato than most. Jouan’s cross-string spiccato passage in this movement is beautifully feathery and light and there is a movingly improvisatory feel to the reprise of ‘Leave Me Alone’ in the last movement.

In the Rondo op.94 the smoothness of his playing is again noticeable, as well as impeccable tuning and the humorous touch that he gives to the recurring theme. ‘Waldesruhe’ feels particularly chamber-like, with the orchestra an equal partner with the cello, whose long phrases are nicely coloured by little subtleties and nuances.

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