Mendelssohn’s complete works for cello and piano fit on a single CD with room to spare, and your collection should have room to spare for the terrific performances contained on this disc. Cellist Elizabeth Dolin and pianist Bernadene Blaha emphasize the composer’s classicism and elegance, in contrast to the somewhat wilder spin with which cellist Mark Shuman and pianist Todd Crow suffuse these works. But whereas the latter ASV release is resonant to a fault, Analekta’s engineering conveys a more intimate and equally warm ambience that falls kindly on the ears. Dolin and Blaha are never less than equal partners, which is important considering that Mendelssohn treats both instruments as such.
Wonderful details abound. The musicians bring elfin lightness and pointed wit to the D major sonata finale’s scampering figurations while striking a perfect balance between the first movement’s steady propulsion and lyrical invention. Many pianists roll the Adagio’s chordal theme in a slapdash manner, yet Blaha voices each chord from the bottom up as she connects the melodic dots.
The B-flat Sonata’s cello writing features deft figurations that require the performer to dance across the instrument’s register extremes with the ease of a violinist, and it’s easy to believe that Dolin’s effortless accuracy and suave bow arm would have pleased the composer no end. The inventive Op. 17 Variations offer plenty of opportunity for skittish interplay, and Dolin and Blaha take full advantage. Sensitive readings of the encore-length Assai Tranquillo and Song without Words round out this lovely, highly recommendable release. [3/30/2004]
