Roger Sacheverell Coke - Cello Sonatas (Raphael Wallfisch; Simon Callaghan)

Information

Composer: Roger Sacheverell Coke

• (01) Cello Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 24
• (05) Cello Sonata No. 2 in C major, Op. 29
• (08) Cello Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44

Raphael Wallfisch, cello

Simon Callaghan, piano

Date: 2020

Label: Lyrita

https://www.wyastone.co.uk/roger-sacheverell-coke-cello-sonatas.html

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Review

All three sonatas on this typically enterprising Lyrita anthology date from the years 1936 to 1941 – an especially fecund period for the composer, which also saw the completion of his Second Symphony (which bears a dedication to Rachmaninov), two piano concertos (Nos 3 and 4 – recorded by Hyperion on Vol 73 of its Romantic Piano Concerto series, 11/17), as well as the 24 Preludes and powerfully taut 15 Variations and Finale (both for piano). I enthused about these last two when assessing Simon Callaghan’s exemplary premiere recordings (Somm, 8/15), and if none of the works here rises to the same level of inspiration, there’s still plenty to reward the patient listener.

Take the First Sonata’s absorbing opening Allegro moderato with its frequently bony textures and adventurous harmonic reach; or the two sets of sparkling theme and variations that comprise the finales of the Second and Third Sonatas (in the former there’s a quotation from the first movement of Rachmaninov’s Fourth Piano Concerto). Elsewhere, a generously lyrical impulse comes to the fore in the slow movements and No 1’s concluding ‘Quasi una fantasia’, where Lyrita’s excellent annotator, Rupert Ridgewell, is surely not mistaken in detecting strong stylistic and even thematic links with Frank Bridge (namely his glorious Cello Sonata) and Bloch (From Jewish Life).

No lost masterpieces, then, but a thoughtful, quietly individual voice does emerge with repeated hearings. Inquisitive readers can rest assured that Callaghan and the admirable Raphael Wallfisch strain every sinew in their passionate advocacy of Roger Sacheverell Coke. First-rate sound and expert balance, too.

-- Andrew Achenbach, Gramophone

More reviews:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2020/Jan/Coke_cello_SRCD384.htm

https://www.thestrad.com/reviews/raphael-wallfisch-sacheverell-coke/10438.article

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Roger Sacheverell Coke (20 October 1912, Alfreton, Derbyshire – 23 October 1972) was an English composer and pianist. He was from a wealthy family and began composing when he was at Eton College, where he was taught by Henry Ley. He also took piano lessons in London with Mabel Lander and was later a pupil of Alan Bush. Coke made his debut as a composer-pianist in 1932 with his first piano concerto. He wrote three symphonies, six piano concertos, two "vocal concertos" for soprano and orchestra, four symphonic poems, sonatas for cello and for violin, as well as extended works for piano solo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Sacheverell_Coke

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Raphael Wallfisch (born 15 June 1953, London) is one of the leading English cellists of his generation. Wallfisch studied with Amaryllis Fleming, Derek Simpson, Amadeo Baldovino and Gregor Piatigorsky. His vast repertory ranges from 19th century staples by Tchaikovsky, Brahms and Dvorák to 20th century standards by Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Respighi and Barber. He has also focused much attention on works by British composers such as Elgar, Delius, Bax, Maxwell Davies, MacMillan, Simpson, and Tavener. Wallfisch has recorded extensively for many labels, including Chandos, Nimbus, and Naxos.

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/raphael-wallfisch-mn0002030011/biography

http://www.raphaelwallfisch.com/?page_id=35

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Simon Callaghan’s recent concert tours have taken him throughout Europe, and to Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea and Canada. He has also performed at all of the UK’s major concert halls. His festival invitations have included Highgate, Whittington and Cervo Chamber Music. Simon’s interest in rarely performed works has led to invitations to perform concertos by Françaix and Tippett, while his discography includes works ranging from Brahms and Ravel to Sterndale Bennett, Delius and Parry. Callaghan is Head of Piano at the Ingenium Academy and gives regular masterclasses.
https://www.simoncallaghan.com/

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