Anton Rubinstein’s large-scale works often suggest Mendelssohn’s harmonic idiom channeled through Russian late Romanticism. In other words, Tchaikovsky’s exuberance and energy minus the memorable tunes. While attractive themes happen to grace both of Rubinstein’s cello sonatas (notably in the G major work’s Andante), you won’t leave the theater humming them, so to speak. But these big-boned, expansive works surely will hold your attention for their ingenuous craftsmanship, judiciously balanced textures, and heartfelt lyric breadth. I particularly like the G major Sonata’s second movement–a minor-key Scherzo packed with offhanded whimsy and lightness of being (qualities not usually associated with Rubinstein). Cellist Gabriele Gorog and Alain Meunier make a cogent and compelling case for these compositions, and really sink their collective teeth into Rubinstein’s meaty instrumental writing. These excellent musicians, moreover, enjoy the benefits of warm, close-up miking that creates an intimate yet full-bodied sonic ambience. Highly recommended. [6/27/2001]
