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A.C.: What was the inspiration for the Mendelssohn CD you have
just recorded?
D.S.
: We both deeply value this composer and both believe that the majority of his
production remains largely underestimated.
We had the opportunity to perform nearly the entire program of our CD at a recital
several years ago in the auditorium of the Louvre. Ever since, this music has stayed
with us; we often play the
Sonatas
, both the first and the second.
G.H.
: It is utterly incomprehensible to me that some people can consider
Mendelssohn to be a rather “minor” composer. For me, he is one of the greatest,
on the same level as Schumann, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, no less. Except for the
second
Sonata
, I realize that young cellists don’t really know his work. It was a
great opportunity for David and me to be able to record music that we have been
experiencing
for so long together and perform regularly in concert.
A.C.: Mendelssohn was not a cellist; generally speaking, does his
music work well for this instrument?
G.H.
: It’s perfectly written, it’s indeed a physical pleasure to perform—a pleasure
you don’t feel with all other composers. It sounds marvelous, and sets off the
instrument. The singing quality, which is the essence of Mendelssohn’s art, is
remarkably well suited to the cello.
20 MENDELSSOHN_COMPLETEWORKS FOR CELLOAND PIANO