Shostakovich Cello Sonata, mov 4 and an amazing story

[furtwaengler]

I love this piece, the Shostakovich Cello Sonata op. 40. It eluded me for years, for it's normally the cellists which will say, hey will you play? I'd asked cellists if they'd play this for years, until finally, this lovely lady performing here agreed. This is an extract from that performance, February 18th, 2007...the blazing, wild finale.

An amazing note about this cellist: she is at a 60% hearing loss! She had been playing in a fine professional orchestra when this tragedy hit. This forced her retirement, and indeed she stopped playing altogether for more than a decade. A conductor of a small community orchestra heard the story and insisted she give it a chance, ultimately proving to her that she could make music again despite the seemingly debilitating handicap. And goodness can she make music...a truly remarkable and inspiring story!

What is remarkable is how I like many other people failed to detect this until she told me. Sure, often in rehearsal I was asked to speak up, but I never would have thought this!

The full program consisted of three works: A Vivaldi concerto for two cellos, the full Shostakovich, and then Beethoven's final piano sonata op. 111. It was at the dress rehearsal the day before the concert that I played for her (only two of us in the room) the Beethoven for the first time, and it was after this that she revealed what she had in common with Beethoven. I was shaken and amazed.

She now works as a preschool teacher, and plays cello on the side. This was the first of three recitals we've played together, hoping the tradition continues year after year.

Please enjoy this music. 

[rachfan]

Hi furtwaengler,

I listened to this excerpt and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Bravo to both collaborating musicians!  Also I read the story and found it to be both remarkable and touching.  The cellist is certainly an outstanding musician, and it's wonderful that she has new opportunities to share her musical gift with others.  As for the pianist here, I only wish I could play the piano as well as you.  Fine artistry!

[goldentone]

Well done, both of you.   Very interesting music.  Thanks for sharing, Furtwaengler.  Can we expect the Op. 111 sometime?

[emill]

You and the cellist play with great clarity and vigor ... hard to
think she has a hearing impairment... AMAZING !!!!

[furtwaengler]

Thanks to all for the nice comments. I wanted an excuse to post part of this work, which means so much, and Beethoven's op. 111 is sort of that excuse. A recent thread on recordings of the Beethoven, as well as Pianowolfi's neat wish to play it in a cave have had me thinking about posting my only performance (warts and all)...but I'm still a bit wounded and weary from it. I'll get it up soon.

Consider the Shostakovich a prep post, and enjoy it a little longer!