Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | Cello Sonata no. 1 in F major, Op.5 no.1

Nicolas Altstaedt and Alexander Lonquich give Beethoven’s cello sonatas a chance to breathe in a thoughtful and accomplished performance of all five at Wigmore Hall.

Cellist Gautier Capuçon and pianist Frank Braley are artists I have previously admired in many chamber ensemble concerts, but their recital at Kings Place was the first time I heard them as a duo.

Despite the stormy turbulence in much of Beethoven's writing, Jean-Guihen Queyras and Alexander Melnikov allowed the sunlight to flood in, illuminating these spirited scores. 

Nicolas Altstaedt begeisterte mit subtilem Spiel und leichter Artikulation. So richtig wollte dieses jedoch nicht zum modernen Konzertflügel passen, selbst bei Alexander Lonquichs umsichtiger Begleitung.

Prokofjews Komposition entpuppt wahrer Publikumsrenner – mehr sogar als die späte Beethoven-Sonate!