This delightful new release easily takes its place as the reference edition for these works, not that we’re spoiled for choice in anything but the First cello concerto. Johannes Moser plays with consummate technique, gorgeous tone, and a rhythmic kick that seems tailor-made for these elegantly crafted pieces. He and his admirable colleague, conductor Fabrice Bollon, launch the First concerto with irresistible verve, and their winsome handling of the slower central episode practically defines the word “charming”. They are just as successful in the hardly-less-appealing Second concerto; Moser’s double-stopping at the start is immaculately in tune, his articulation in the dashing finale neat as a pin.
The Suite for Cello and Orchestra, in five brief but hugely appealing movements, lasts as long as either of the concertos and ought to be trotted out now and then in concert. Where has this music been? Try the lovely second-movement Serenade, or the delicious Romance. It’s not as if there are many such works in the repertoire. The three shorter pieces make perfect encores. Ever notice how much the main theme of the Allegro appassionato resembles (rhythmically at least) the prelude to Carmen? Moser closes the disc with an orchestral arrangement of The Swan, the icing on this positively scrumptious musical cake. The sonics are perfectly balanced and as vivid as the interpretations, while the Stuttgart Orchestra sounds excellent. This is a major release, and Moser is without question an artist worth watching. [11/3/2008]
