Cello sonata, g minor, op. 65: allegro moderato - Chopin

Yo-Yo Ma (cello) Emmanuel Ax (piano)

This piece is one of the few works composed by Chopin for an instrument other than piano.  Of course, being a piano virtuoso ensures that this sonata is almost a proper duet between the piano and the cello.  I think of this piece exuding nobility and subtle grace - so definitely powerful and technically demanding but not showy.

It was written for Auguste Franchomme, an amazing cellist who advanced the DuPort/French school of bowing technique, which is more refined and light and corresponds to the legerity and facility of the left-hand.  It’s hard to find a recording I really like of this piece.  Yo-Yo ma schmaltzes it up a bit too much for my taste, and there are times when he and the pianist kind of struggle for dominance.  Harwood and Jacqueline Du Pres are cellists who have done interesting versions.

I also realized that I don’t own much music mp3’s myself :)  I usually just listen to online music databases like CML, Naxos or internet radio.  Sometimes Pandora is fun, but the selections are limited.  And Youtube for videos to share. :)