Christoph Croise turns to the rich Romantic works of his 19th-century Swiss compatriot Joachim Raff, breathing new life into the composer's complete works for cello and piano.
The beautiful, lyrical music of prolific 19th-century Swiss composer Joachim Raff was widely performed during his lifetime but is relatively under-represented today. Who better than Christoph Crois�, Raff's modern day compatriot, to breathe new life into the composer's complete works for cello and piano.
Raff's chamber music, and especially his works for cello, were among his most notable achievements. Having established a career in Germany in the mid-1850's, Raff encountered the eminent cellist Bernhard Cossman whose mastery of the instrument inspired the composer's rich Romantic oeuvre. Christoph, who has got it all � technical chops, impeccable musicianship (Gramophone), puts a fresh, 21st-century spin on Raff's memorable music resulting in this benchmark recording.
Lauded for 'delicate yet virtuosic' playing (BBC Music Magazine) and 'seamless subtleties of tone colour' with 'plenty of edge' (The Strad), Swiss-French-German cellist Christoph Croise is quickly building an international reputation as one of the most captivating young concert soloists to emerge in recent years.
Oxana Shevchenko is internationally recognized as a pianist of outstanding artistry, sensibility, and versatility. She is equally in demand both as a soloist and as a chamber musician.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
unforced eloquence � A thoroughly engaging 70 minutes of music making - Gramophone
In all, it's a thoroughly engaging 70 minutes of music-making, with the pair's unforced eloquence giving them the edge over their closest rivals on disc - Gramophone
Though prolific during his lifetime, Raff is largely forgotten today which, on the strength of these lyrical and compassionate works, is an unfair omission. Croise's tone is warm and free, while pianist Shevchenko matches him with beautiful fluidity. A joy � BBC Music Magazine, 5 STARS
the beautifully turned performances that show the often elegantly-textured Duo, two Fantasy Pieces and two Romances in a favourable light. - The Irish Times
Critical acclaim for Christoph Crois� - The Solo Album (AV2466)
Crois� shows he's got it all �technical chops, impeccable musicianship and imaginative daring. (Gramophone)
an emotional thrill ride that testifies to the power of the cello when placed in the hands of a gifted virtuoso (Strings)AV2466 The Solo AlbumAV2410 The Russian Album AV2402 Haydn & Vivaldi Concertos
