Klengel reviews

Raphaela Gromes (cello), et al; Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra/Nicholas Carter (Sony Classical)

Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello), et al; LSO/Simon Rattle (Decca)

Cello Classics, a new label devoted exclusively to cellists and cello repertoire, strikes out impressively with this recital by Leonid Gorokhov and Bobby Chen. An eclectic mix, topped and tailed by more substantial works by Martinu (the Rossini Variations) and Schnittke (the Suite in the Old Style in Daniil Shafran’s arrangement), it’s less palpitatingly intense than several of Gorokhov’s previous recordings.

Klengel’s cello pupils included Piatigorsky and Feuermann, and his music is expertly written for the instrument, with echoes of Mendelssohn, Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Dvorák. No profound revelations here, but a great deal of pleasure, with Jankovic an especially eloquent soloist. Martin Cotton