This enterprising disc contains all of Hindemith’s chamber music featuring solo cello either alone or in combination with piano. The pieces cover a wide stylistic range, from the spiky, dissonant neo-classicism of the early sonata Op. 11 No. 3, to the warmer, almost Romantic work written in 1948. The humorous variations for cello and piano on the English nursery tune “A frog he went a-courting” ought to become an encore staple of chamber recitals. A string player himself, Hindemith clearly knew how to show off the cello to best effect. Even the comparatively difficult works have a fluency and musical logic that proves compelling at first listen, and none of them overstay their welcome. A lot of the credit for this music’s favorable impression belongs with the cellist, Wendy Warner. Her accurate intonation and warm, singing tone prove a constant source of delight, and she’s ably partnered by pianist Eileen Buck. These two superb players demonstrate conclusively that the success of so much of Hindemith’s music really depends on sympathetic performance. Bridge’s sonics flatter the music and the players. An excellent disc in every respect. [11/30/1999]
