Brazilian cellist Antonio Meneses offers his first concerto recording for Avie, pairing classic Haydn with a world premiere by his compatriot Clovis Pereira.
The great Brazilian cellist Antonio Meneses extends his fruitful association with Avie with his sixth release and first concerto recording for the label. Directing the Northern Sinfonia from the cello, Meneses pairs the two classic Haydn concerti with a world-premiere by his compatriot Clovis Pereira. With flawless technique and unerring musicality, Antonio navigates Haydn’s infectious fast movements with astonishing facility, and the inner slow movements with enduring expressiveness. The Pereira, dedicated to Meneses, melds a quasi-Baroque style with elements of the musicians’ homeland, particularly the northeast countryside of the State of Pernambuco, where both cellist and composer hail from. The first movement’s modal scales are unique to this region and the technique akin to the local fiddlers. The second movement recalls the calming, improvised chants of roaming shepherds, and the finale is a festive gallop to the finish.
18th July 2010
****
“Meneses takes his place alongside the greats in these now familiar concertos with his beautiful tone... and mercurial temperament in the C major’s allegro molto. The Northern Sinfonia are willing accomplices in urbane, genial performances that would grace any collection.”
September 2010
“Meneses isn't daunted [by the D major concerto]...he doesn't overlook the importance of clarifying the richer orchestral textures while giving the viola lines their due...Haydn's intellectual and emotional discernment is here on a different plane [from the C major concerto] and Meneses's consummately played interpretation reflects the difference.”
September 2010
****
“Meneses delivers warm and technically flawless accounts of the Haydn C major and D major supported by an enthusiastic and full-blooded contribution from the Northern Sinfonia...Playing of such a high calibre is fully worthy of comparison with the strongest rivals”
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