Album

Robert Schumann graced the cello repertoire not only with one of its most prominent concertos, but also with four sets of satisfying miniatures. Although all but the Op. 102 set on folk tunes was originally conceived for other instruments, it is with the cello that they have found their true home. Brazilian-born cellist Antonio Meneses does a superb job demonstrating to listeners why these works are best suited for his instrument. His sound is quite lean but never tinny. The result is a soaring and clear projection that easily rises above the piano. His interpretation is flexible and insightful, quickly changing gears between the contrasting character pieces. Intonation, articulation, and pacing are all quite refined. Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata is another work that was not originally composed for the cello but now stands as a cornerstone of the repertoire. Meneses' focused sound is again an asset in this work, yielding a graceful and carefree character to the piece. Pianist Gerard Wyss complements Meneses' sound and approach perfectly. While there are plenty of opportunities for the piano to become overbearing, Wyss provides a subdued, elegant background throughout.

© Mike D. Brownell, All Music Guide

CD 1
Robert Alexander Schumann Composer Adagio and Allegro in Ab, for horn and piano, Op.70 Work 9:55 Gerard Wyss Piano, Antonio Meneses Cello
1	1.Adagio: Langsam, mit innigem Ausdruck	4:32			$0.99
2	2.Allegro: Rasch und feurig. Etwas ruhigert. Tempo 1	5:23			$0.99
Robert Alexander Schumann Composer 3 Phantasiestücke, for clarinet and piano, Op.73...3 Phantasiestücke, for clarinet and piano, Op.73 (arr. cello and piano) Work 11:23 Gerard Wyss Piano, Antonio Meneses Cello
3	1.Zart und mit Ausdruck	3:20			$0.99
4	2.Lebhaft, leicht	3:31			$0.99
5	3.Rasch und mit Feuer	4:32			$0.99
Robert Alexander Schumann Composer 5 Stücke im Volkston, for cello and piano, Op.102 Work 16:07 Gerard Wyss Piano, Antonio Meneses Cello
6	1.Vanitas vanitatum: Mit Humor	2:56			$0.99
7	2.Langsam	3:41			$0.99
8	3.Nicht schnell, mit viel Ton zu spielen	4:19			$0.99
9	4.Nicht zu rasch	2:05			$0.99
10	5.Stark und markiert	3:06			$0.99
Robert Alexander Schumann Composer Märchenbilder, for viola and piano, Op.113...Märchenbilder, for viola and piano, Op.113 (arr. cello and piano) Work 15:54 Gerard Wyss Piano, Antonio Meneses Cello
11	1.Nicht schnell	3:37			$0.99
12	2.Lebhaft	4:17			$0.99
13	3.Rasch	2:45			$0.99
14	4.Langsam, mit melancholischem Ausdruck	5:15			$0.99
Franz Peter Schubert Composer Sonata for Arpeggione (or Cello) and Piano, D.821 Work 25:31 Gerard Wyss Piano, Antonio Meneses Cello
15	1.Allegro moderato	11:48			Album Only
16	2.Adagio	4:31			$0.99
17	3.Allegretto	9:12			$0.99