Gramofon: J. S. Bach: Solo Cello Suites
As it is rare that a miracle child should grow up into a miracle adult it is similarly rare that such a miracle adult should be given the opportunity of recording two compositions of historical significance. Thanks to Hungaroton, Miklós Perényi and music lovers were granted that opportunity by being able to hear an interpretation ‘reconsidered’ by an artist who has, for several decades, worthily enjoyed the heartfelt admiration of both the profession, and the audience. And we need to add hastily: this is not at all the case where the discography of the series – an inevitable challenge to chello players – was extended by one new interpretation. Instead, the recording is one that is worthy of being regarded a standard. Assumedly only the most committed specialists will volunteer to match Perényi’s recordings of four decades apart. That is because a before-after exercise would be outright unworthy, or one should even say disrespectful. Regarding their essence both are, after all, determined by their respective eras. Both interpretations were created in the spirit of the most recent research on how to best play Bach (baroque performance practice) and the characteristic interpretations known at the time focusing on the musical message read from the sheet music.
A responsible performer (with some creative talent and skills) cannot completely ignore the experience or the lessons of the multi-style repertoire acquired by them, and thus it offers further possible associations to those with a keen interest. However, the confidence that it oozes with is more important than this kind of ‘surplus’. We see dedication equivalent to a creed that sounds as natural as if the artist not only had Bach’s phone number, but had personal consultations with him before playing the pieces. These are the recordings that can demonstrate the performer’s presence along with the duality that makes us feel the performance personal, and objective (almost ex-cathedra) all at the same time. For the 71-year-old chello player it may be regarded no less than an artistic credo. Miklós Perényi has managed to achieve international renown from Hungary, while a whole country feels this international music artist ‘their own’. That opportunity has been available to us for four decades, which is particularly important additional information to youth trying to learn more about his career.
Katalin Fittler
Source: Gramofon