Brahms: Cello Sonatas
Gabor Rejto, cello
Adolph Baller, piano

Brahms's two sonatas for cello and piano are the most important works in that genre to follow those of Beethoven. The Sonata in E minor, Op. 38, is the first duet for piano and solo instrument by Brahms. It was written in 1865. The Sonata in F Major, Op. 99 was published in 1887. Although written in traditional form, this sonata has several innovative features. The extensive use of a rapid tremolo in both the piano and cello parts in the first movement is the first important use of this coloristic effect. Also unusual are the then novel key relationships.

Gabor Rejto was born in Budapest, where he graduated from the Royal Academy. He then went to Spain to study with Pablo Casals. He appeared with the major European symphony orchestras before coming to the United States in 1939.

Polish-born Adolph Baller left at the age of nine for Vienna, where he studied with Professor Angelo Kessissoglu, who was a pupil of Busoni. At the age of eleven he started to give piano recitals in Central Europe and soloed with major European orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Salzburg Festivals. He arrived in the United States in 1938 and became Yehudi Menuhin's accompanist for fifteen years.

Catalog: MAR 3123

Track Listing

Brahms: Sonata in E Minor, Op.38 1. Allegro ma non troppo 2. Allegretto quasi menuetto (LISTEN) 3. Allegro Brahms: Sonata in F Minor, Op.99 4. Allegro vivace 5. Adagio Affetuoso 6. Allegro passionate 7. Allegro molto Total Playing Time: 44:36

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