Brahms Cello Sonatas Nos. 1-2 and Lieder - Arr. for Cello & Piano

Brahms's two cello sonatas are hardly in need of another recording. There are well over 100 in the catalog. So, why this recording? Like almost every other cellist who takes on these works, Asier Polo plays them with spot-on intonation and spotless technique. He easily qualifies to be on your short list. And pianist Eldar Nebolsin is equally skilled. Both display the undoubted technical skills to pull off these works. But it is the mutual respect they show each other in their playing that makes these performances truly shine. They are superb collaborators and their enjoyment of performing together is palpable. No, there is not anything revelatory or new in their readings of these works. But that's not the point. The point is that these are superb readings by two eminently enjoyable artists who are clearly having fun together. And that, for me, makes all the difference. (...) At the end of the day, it's the sound quality and fun these two artists are clearly having performing together that differentiate this album from the rest for me and lead me to recommend it. Very enjoyable. Very satisfying. I think you will enjoy it.

The recording that Asier Polo and Eldar Nebolsin present of Brahms' cello sonatas transmits the vitality and maturity necessary when facing a repertoire that shows an evolution in the creative future of the Hamburg one.

To the undoubted technical capacity of both must be added the enthusiasm and freshness that can already be felt in the album cover photo, as well as in each measure, theme or dynamic. Polo and Nebolsin travel in parallel through the Brahmsian sound planes with a clear, full and respectful sound, and with the complicity necessary to fly the duo to a collective triumph.

The pathos that the cello creates is enveloping and intimate, but above all clear and balanced in its narrative, while the piano is full of control and expressiveness to transmit to us without hesitation the mystery and passion of the pianist Brahms.

The musical memories of this album are ready to be shown and enjoyed!

It is a matter of pride that two artists closely linked to Spain, one for being Spanish and the other for having emerged from the Paloma O'Shea Contest, join forces to record Brahms's “Sonatas for piano and cello n.1 and 2”, so linked to symphonies 3 and 4.

They do so demonstrating solvency and full maturity. A good sound recording for two fine artists.