" ... result in this recording is exceptionally smooth, delicate and precise playing. Istomin’s cello is a model of sweetness and rich tone, and Haydn is obviously revered by these well-matched players. It’s a lovely and loving expression; Haydn’s music at its best."

In February our CD Pick of the Week featured Mendelssohn’s works for cello and piano, and it was then we were first introduced to the talents of Sergei Istomin. For his latest release he’s joined by the Dutch period instrument group Apollo Ensemble (who most recently performed here in a program of Jewish Baroque music at the Kennedy Center last year). This ensemble, founded in 1992, takes an interesting approach, as noted in their biography: “For the group, ensemble play(ing) means to search for the extremes of playing together and to pursue an intense interaction between its musicians.” This point of view could be frightening, but the result in this recording is exceptionally smooth, delicate and precise playing. Istomin’s cello is a model of sweetness and rich tone, and Haydn is obviously revered by these well-matched players. It’s a lovely and loving expression; Haydn’s music at its best.

And, as a bonus, the Apollo Ensemble plays Haydn’s Symphony No. 16 in B-flat on this disc, a work that dates from the time of the first cello concerto, and was written for the same orchestral forces.

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