Elgar//Dvorak/Respighi/Vasks

Sol Gabetta, the renowned cellist, presents a captivating journey through the works of Elgar, Dvořák, Respighi, and Vasks in this exquisite 2010 album. Recorded with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Mario Venzago, this collection showcases Gabetta's virtuosity and the orchestra's precision, offering a rich and varied listening experience.

The album opens with Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85, a profound and expressive piece that highlights Gabetta's technical mastery and emotional depth. The concerto's four movements—Adagio - Moderato, Lento - Allegro molto, Adagio, and Allegro - Moderato - Allegro ma non troppo—are performed with a sensitivity that brings out the nuances of Elgar's composition.

In addition to the concerto, the album features several of Elgar's shorter works, including the introspective Sospiri, Op. 70, and the charming salon pieces Salut d'amour, Op. 12, and La Capricieuse, Op. 17. These pieces offer a delightful contrast to the concerto, showcasing Gabetta's versatility and the orchestra's adaptability.

Antonín Dvořák's Silent Woods, Op. 68, and Rondo for Cello and Orchestra in G Minor, Op. 94, are also featured, providing a taste of the composer's lyrical and rhythmic brilliance. Respighi's Adagio con variazioni adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, while Pēteris Vasks' Gramata cellam, with its contrasting movements Fortissimo and Pianissimo, offers a contemporary perspective.

The album's duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes ensures a comprehensive exploration of these works, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. The recording quality is impressively clear and warm, with the orchestral playing well-honed and incisive, providing an immersive listening experience.