Music for Cello and Piano

Music by Beethoven, Debussy and Rachmaninov

Adam Grabois, cello -- John Nauman, piano

Reflex Editions

Playing Time: 55:27

Anthony Kershaw

In these days of dwindling classical audiences and limited recording opportunity, self-publishing has become the norm. When listening to this debut recording from Reflex Editions, it was a little sad to realize that if Messrs. Grabois and Nauman (virtuosos of the cello and piano, respectively) had not the energy and gumption to set the ball rolling, their exceptional talents may never have been heard in the mainstream. Lucky for us the energy level and passion of youngsters such as these infuses the general malaise of the classical music industry.

The nicely-packaged CD gets off to a pleasant start with Beethoven's 7 Variations in Eb major on 'Bei Mannern, welche Liebe fuhlen' (the melody taken from Mozart's The Magic Flute). This fairly innocuous Beethoven has moments of brilliance, and the gentle manner in which he sets Mozart's melody is brought out most musically by both cellist and pianist. The next piece is a quantum leap from the Variations. The Debussy Cello Sonata is a major work for the instrument and Grabois offers a fine performance. Although not erasing the memory of Rostropovich and Platigorsky's sound, Grabois' tone is rich, then pungent and penetrating when required. Great pizzicato, too. After this impressionistic gem, Nauman and Grabois give a superb rendition of Rachmaninov's G minor Sonata. Although Stravinsky once described Rachmaninov as a 'walking, six-foot scowl', this masterful piece has its composer writing with great passion and has moments of joy and exultation.

Each of the performances is first-rate, the Swarthmore-trained cellist singing the cello lines ever so musically and the Juilliard graduate pianist supplying a magical solo part when called upon. To capture such elegant performances, while raising money, editing and mixing tape, organizing liner notes, producing packaging, arranging distribution and delivery, is no mean feat!

An interesting attribute to Grabois' venture is the complete control he will be allowing the musicians over every aspect of recording, producing, and editing. As this is the first release, it will be interesting to hear future CDs with other musicians -- I am sure Grabois will keep his promise of allowing the individual player complete control. Thus, Reflex's roster should be populated with the most interesting of artists.

The actual recording is fairly dry (and detailed), but with the players set in an 'honest' space. A 'no-fiddling' policy seemed to be the order of the day here. As such, Da-Hong Seetoo has recorded a winner. Presence and fidelity go hand in hand.

Let's hope that Reflex and others similar in nature thrive in this brave new classical music world. The industry needs them. And congratulations to both Grabois and Nauman for producing a gem.

[You can learn more about Reflex Editions @ www.reflexeditions.com -- Ed]