Album

The cello is an instrument to which Camille Saint-Saëns turned many times throughout his compositional career, yet we most commonly hear only the First Concerto (performed by talented high school students and professionals alike) and all-too-frequently slipshod readings of "The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals. Yet there was an abundance of other repertoire produced by the French master that, while perhaps not the most captivating writing for the cello, are certainly worthy of attention and interest. Cellist Christian Poltéra takes on the Saint-Saëns works for cello and piano alongside pianist Kathryn Stott on this Chandos album. Compared to Poltéra's previously releases of cello works by Swiss composers, Saint-Saëns may seem like a less noble undertaking, but Poltéra quickly dispels this notion. With a refreshingly powerful, driven, intense interpretation, Poltéra infuses the two sonatas with a level of life and vitality that they may not have seen in decades if not longer. He plays with a virtually flawless technique, a muscular yet controlled tone, and a musical understanding over the score that grips listeners from start to finish. Stott's playing is equally precise and appealing, with an incredibly nimble, clear touch, an impeccable sense of balance. Unfamiliar with these sonatas? Here's the place to start. Heard them once and weren't impressed? Try again with Poltéra and Stott and you're not likely to be disappointed.

© Mike D. Brownell, All Music Guide

CD 1
Camille Saint-Saëns Composer Cello Sonata No.1 in C-, Op.32 Work 20:22 Christian Poltéra Cello, Kathryn Stott Piano
1	1.Allegro	8:58			$1.49
2	2.Andante tranquillo sostenuto	5:12			$0.99
3	3.Allegro moderato	6:12			$0.99
Camille Saint-Saëns Composer Cello Sonata No.2 in F, Op.123 Work 32:51 Christian Poltéra Cello, Kathryn Stott Piano
4	1.Maestoso, largamente	9:10			$1.49
5	2.Scherzo con variazioni	8:55			$1.49
6	3.Romanza: Poco adagio	7:56			$1.49
7	4.Allegro non troppo, grazioso	6:50			$0.99
Camille Saint-Saëns Composer Prière, for cello and organ, Op.158 Work Christian Poltéra Cello, Kathryn Stott Piano
8	Prière, for cello and organ, Op.158 (arr. cello and piano)	5:11			$0.99
Camille Saint-Saëns Composer Carnival of the Animals: Zoological Fantasy for 2 Pianos and Chamber Ensemble...Carnival of the Animals: Zoological Fantasy for 2 Pianos and Chamber Ensemble (arr. solo instrument and piano) Work Christian Poltéra Cello, Kathryn Stott Piano
9	13.The Swan	3:01			$0.99
Camille Saint-Saëns Composer Romance for Horn (or Cello) and Orchestra (or Piano) in F, Op.36 Work Christian Poltéra Cello, Kathryn Stott Piano
10	Romance for Horn (or Cello) and Orchestra (or Piano) in F, Op.36	2:59			$0.99