Watkins & bax unearth beethoven's cello sonatas with rare grace
Paul Watkins, a name synonymous with chamber Music excellence as cellist for both the Nash Ensemble and the Emerson Quartet, has finally turned his formidable experience to recording Beethoven’s complete cello sonatas. The result, a partnership with pianist Alessio Bax, isn’t merely a collection of notes; it’s a conversation, a shared breath across two centuries of musical evolution.
A partnership forged in moonlight
The genesis of this project, Watkins recounts, stemmed from a single, revelatory performance of the Moonlight Sonata by Bax. An instinct, as he puts it, proved remarkably accurate. The duo’s playing throughout the five sonatas avoids any hint of forced virtuosity, instead offering an eloquent and remarkably unified musical voice. It’s a refreshing departure from performances that prioritize technical display over emotional depth.
Spanning Beethoven’s creative life, these sonatas represent a fascinating evolution in his approach to the cello and piano. The earliest two, composed around the time of his first piano concertos, showcase his burgeoning understanding of the instruments as true duet partners, rather than mere accompanists. Bax’s light, crisp touch navigates the demanding passages with deceptive ease, allowing the underlying architecture of the Music to shine.
The expansive third sonata, Op. 69 – composed concurrently with the Fifth Symphony – possesses a particularly engaging character. The perky middle movement, reminiscent of a symphonic scherzo, is wonderfully weighted, maintaining a compelling momentum through the shifts in texture. But it’s the later sonatas where Watkins’s expressive powers truly come to the fore. Sonata No. 5, the sole work in the set to feature a full-blown slow movement, begins in a reticent, almost hymn-like manner. The Music steadily builds, blossoming into a passage of profound emotional resonance. The closing passages are handled with a tightly controlled restraint, followed by a gentle clearing of the air before the finale’s intricate fugue.
What truly distinguishes this recording is the palpable sense of shared musicality between Watkins and Bax. It’s not about individual brilliance, though both musicians are undeniably gifted. It’s about a deeper connection, a willingness to listen and respond to one another in real-time, creating a performance that feels both spontaneous and deeply considered. The precision and nuance of their interpretations will undoubtedly set a new standard for these beloved works.
Beyond the notes: a legacy reconsidered
This recording isn't simply a document of Beethoven’s genius; it’s an invitation to reconsider the sonatas themselves. By stripping away the layers of historical performance practice, Watkins and Bax allow the Music's inherent beauty and dramatic power to emerge. The result is a profoundly moving and intensely satisfying listening experience – a testament to the enduring power of chamber Music and the enduring genius of Beethoven.