Pannon Philharmonic

Poetic and full of emotions
3 June, 2015
Pyotr Tchaikosky: Variations on a Rococo Theme Op. 33 for cello and orchestra (original and transcript by W. Fitzenhagen), Nocturne, Op. 19 No 4, Pezzo capriccioso, Op. 62, Andante Cantabile (String Quartet, Op. 11 2. t); István Várdai - cello, Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra, Tibor Bogányi; 1 CD Brilliant Classics 94876; 6/14 (55'22) – critique by Remy Franck. Enchanting and pleasant: It is always a great pleasure to listen to pieces for cello and orchestra by Tchaikovsky provided they are performed by professionals. Várdai István Várdai plays Variations on a Rococo Theme in two versions; the most-played piece recomposed by cellist, Wilhelm Fitzenhagen, and the original version.

The Hungarian cellist, István Várdai (1985) winner of prestigious awards, performed Tchaikovsky in a very poetic and emotional way avoiding extreme sentimentality. His cello sounds nice; his intonations are clear and lyrical with remarkably dynamic tones. The Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the Hungarian-Finnish conductor, Tibor Bogányi, accompanies him in a really tasteful, flexible and elegant way.

A tasteful and enchanting performance of Tchaikosky’s pieces for cello and orchestra.