Hans Gál Cello Music Unabashedly Romantic

The first part of Hans Gál's story isn't unusual. Like many talented Jewish musicians in Austria and Germany, his career was derailed by the rise of Nazism.  was one of many talented German and Austrian musicians. Gál fled to England, settling in Edinburgh and becoming a respected teacher.

Gál wrote throughout his life in a tonal post-romantic style. After the War, this style was considered somewhat old-fashioned, and his music fell into disfavor. It's only been in recent years that it's been rediscovered and presented to the world.

One of Gál's champions is conductor Kenneth Woods. In every recording he makes a strong case for Gál's music -- and this disc is no exception. Gál's Concertino for Cello and String Orchestra, Op. 87 receives its world premiere recording here.

The work was completed in 1966, and I can understand audiences of the day thinking it old-fashioned. But taken on its own merits, the concertino is well-constructed work of beauty. Gál's language may be tonal, but it's one full of imagination.

Cellist Matthew Sharp digs into the material with relish, artfully shaping every phrase for maximum effect. The concertino is an expressive work, and what it most seems to express is joy. A welcome rediscovery, indeed!

The recording also includes Gál's two sonatas for solo cello, Op. 109. Gál was a trained pianist, but these sonatas show he had a thorough understanding of the cello's capabilities. To my ears, the works almost sounded like extended cadenzas. The thematic ideas flow freely and develop logically.

Matthew Sharp played impressively in the concertino. With these solo sonatas, he's even more impressive. Sharp delivers finely nuanced performances that work on all levels.

Hans Gál: Concertino for Cello and String Orchestra
Matthew Sharp, cello
English Symphony Orchestra; Kenneth Woods, conductor
Avie AV 2380