Emanuel Feuermann, a name that resonates with cello enthusiasts, brings to you a captivating live performance titled "Feuermann in Concert." Released on August 29, 2005, under the label Cello Classics, this album is a treasure trove of chamber music that spans a concise yet impactful 37 minutes.
The album opens with Feuermann's masterful interpretation of Bach's Toccata, Adagio & Fugue in C Major, BWV 564, arranged for cello and piano by Pau Casals and Alexander Siloti. The three movements of this piece showcase Feuermann's technical prowess and musical sensitivity.
Following this, Feuermann delves into the romantic repertoire with Gabriel Fauré's Après un rêve and Robert Schumann's Papillon from Characterstücke, Op. 3. These pieces highlight Feuermann's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and moods.
The centerpiece of the album is Camille Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33, R. 193. Feuermann's live performance of this concerto is a testament to his virtuosity and musical depth. The concerto's three movements, Allegro non troppo, Allegretto con moto, and Molto allegro, are filled with technical challenges and emotional nuances that Feuermann navigates with apparent ease.
The album concludes with the lively Bourrées I & II from Bach's Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009. This final piece is a delightful display of Feuermann's precision and control.
"Feuermann in Concert" is not just a collection of pieces but a demonstration of Emanuel Feuermann's exceptional talent and artistry. It's a chance to experience the master at work, bringing these timeless pieces to life with his unique touch.