Beethoven: Cello Sonatas, Vol. 2 – Daniel Müller-Schott, Angela Hewitt Hyperion

1
Variations in G major on ‘See the conqu’ring hero comes’ from Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus WoO45[12’54]Cello Sonata in C major Op 102 No 1[15’45]2
Andante –[2’46]3
Allegro vivace[5’14]4
Adagio – Tempo d’andante –[3’15]5
Allegro vivace[4’30]6
Variations in F major on ‘Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen’ from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte Op 66[10’18]7
Variations in E flat major on ‘Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen’ from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte WoO46[10’00]Cello Sonata in D major Op 102 No 2[22’02]8
Allegro con brio[6’53]9
Adagio con molto sentimento d’affetto[10’48]10
Allegro – Allegro fugato[4’21]

The mercurial partnership of Angela Hewitt and Daniel Müller-Schott brought ‘overwhelming intensity and emotional gravitas’ to a first disc of Beethoven’s cello sonatas. Here in a second volume they present two more of these ground-breaking masterpieces, together with the composer’s homages to Mozart and Handel—works which are equally important additions to the cello repertoire.

Hewitt’s characteristic digital dexterity and deep understanding of the classical style and Müller-Schott’s vibrant playing combine to create performances of great energy and sensitivity that will delight their many fans.

In a fascinating booklet note, Daniel Müller-Schott explores the evolution of Beethoven’s works for cello from a musician’s perspective, describing their revolutionary power and demonstrating the composer’s multifarious imagination [‘Mannigfachphantastische’].