Mischa Maisky, Sergio Tiempo - Mendelssohn: Cello Sonatas, Variations, 7 Songs Without Words (2002)

Clearly, cellist Mischa Maisky has discovered a terrific marketing gimmick. With his recording of Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata coupled with transcriptions of 14 of that composer's songs; his recording of Brahms' cello sonatas coupled with seven transcriptions of that composer's songs; and his recording of almost nothing but transcriptions of songs by Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, Duparc, and Poulenc, Maisky has found an effective way to distinguish his recordings from those of other cellists. Thankfully, Maisky's gimmick is more than a publicity stunt: each of the above recordings is distinguished by his full-bodied tone, spectacular technique, and sensitive musicianship. All of these qualities are amply in evidence in this recording of Mendelssohn. Like his earlier recordings, this disc includes all of the composer's most substantial works for cello, plus a selection of transcriptions of other works. And like his earlier discs, the substantial works are marvelously well played -- indeed, these are among the best performances Mendelssohn's cello sonatas have ever received -- but the transcriptions are even better. Maisky's serene On Wings of Song is exquisitely phrased, his Schilflied is wonderfully introspective, his Suleika burns with restless urgency, his Die Liebende schreibt is deeply felt, and his delightful Spring Song fully rejuvenates even that tired warhorse.