Dialogo
Orchid, 2021
8/10
An esteemed cellist who has been gaining much attention with his craft since the age of 15, John-Henry Crawford has performed all over the world, and here he’s aligned with Victor Santiago Asuncion’s piano as they interpret compositions by Johannes Brahms, Gyorgy Ligeti and Dmitri Shostakovich.
“Sonata for Piano and Cello No.2 in F Major, Op.99” starts the listen with keys and strings interacting in sublime, playful and highly melodic ways that dance around with emotional intimacy and a wonderfully poetic tone.
The middle track, “Sonata for Solo Cello”, spotlights Crawford’s meticulous manipulation of his instrument, where plucked and bowed beauty unfolds with both grace and frisky moments in a very modern and highly melodic, complicated performance.
At the end, “Sonata for Cello and Piano in D Minor, Op.40” balances a cautious delivery versus an adventurous approach, where firm keys and swift cello meet at a very unpredictable intersection, as the duo get muscular while also retaining the serenity of the original.
Though Crawford is a youngster, he plays like a seasoned veteran here, and along with Asuncion he turns in a glowing and memorable take on classics that are reworked in his inimitable vision.
Travels well with: Chelsea Guo- Chopin In My Voice; George Palmer- Breaking The Silence