Critic

Péter Szabó here disseminates more outcomes from his enterprising explorations of library and museum shelves, presenting three world premiere recordings of cello concertos by Vanhal, based on manuscript sources. In the case of the A major concerto, he has himself made appropriate editorial additions for the missing viola and second horn parts for its second and third movements.

Szabó's accounts of the outer movements of these concertos are charged with vitality and characterized by some stylish, pertinent cadenzas and stunning virtuosity in the cello's stratospheres.

..., he discovers in his readings a vast range of sonorities, articulations and nuances of text that many other soloists would miss, and he brings a classy elegance and poise to the central movements' lyrical solo lines, especially in the A major work.

Sinfonietta Pannonica's contribution is well turned and tasteful,.... The recorded sound and solo/tutti balance are excellent. A real must for those seeking fresh, rewarding and inventive classical cello repertoire.

ROBIN STOWELL

The Strad
October 2012