Janos Starker: Road to Cello Playing / Various

Marvelous. Fun to hear the Etudes!

I am a fan of Janos Starker BUT this 1967 recording is just that, a 1967 recording on a CD, or in my case MP3. The music and etudes are again another demonstration of his technical prowess which is not easily equaled.I have seen some observations about Yo Yo Ma not plating this genre which is patently false. Both are masters of the instrument BUT both have a distinct style. I would not compare the 2, just cant, different players, different interpretations.It is however GLARINGLY obvious that Starkers left and and bowing ESPECIALLY on the etudes are breathtaking, beware of some recording issues, you will hear a tape hiss, you will hear sound cuts at the end of tracks. IF you are one of the folks who love pure great recording techniques, I would not get it. Otherwise, it is a treat

Starker proceeds through a couple of dozen of the standard etudes for cello, from the basic through the astonishingly difficult, and plays them in such a way that -- for me, at least, hearing this recording for the first time maybe 5 or 6 years into my own cello playing -- one's conception of what is possible on the instrument is literally redefined. (Starker's recording of the Kodaly solo sonata and violin/cello duo was another such one for me.) The album is both daunting and inspiring in that regard. It is wonderful to hear a player of his level go through things you yourself (if you are a cellist) are likely to encounter as you progress through your lessons and as a player.Recordings of the Hindemith and Cassado pieces for solo cello are wonderful bonuses.Even for non-cellists (at least those interested in hearing what can be done on the instrument unaccompanied) this would be a good, if slightly academic, recording to augment the typical Bach Suites, etc.

The great Janos Starker has been an incomparable inspiration for countless cellists. The Road To Cello Playing was a generous gesture on Mr. Starker's part that gives all cellists perspective into the self-discipline and consistent hard work (even with the most talented) required to bea truly great instrumentalist and artist. This is the only CD of it's kind and Mr. Starker presents the world of etudes, caprices, studies and solo sonatas in a vast, musical panorama.Those who don't own The Road To Cello Playing are passing by a window into the private, lonely world of one of the greatest cellists of all time.

To hear a master play the simple through advanced etudes and studies is wonderful. Too bad the recording quality doesn't live up to the music.

Played by Starker. If you like the content of this CD, listening to Starker playing cannot be wrong.

チェロのエチュードが収録されている珍しいCD。巨匠が弾くと、練習曲がこんなにもキラキラ輝くのかと感動した。チェロを学ぶ人必携の1枚。