Martinu: Cello Sonatas No.1-3, 7 Arabesques
Raphael Wallfisch (cello), John York (piano) (Nimbus)
一碟落齊馬天奴三首大提琴奏鳴曲，開碟的尚有《七首阿拉伯風舞曲》，是一套可供小提琴或大提琴演奏的短曲集。它的副題為七首節奏練習曲，固名思義是有不少特別節奏給大提琴，不過鋼琴會像拍子機般維持很穩定的節奏。以20世紀來說，這些節奏練習實在小兒科，但若然視奏都跟不到，也就正好用來惡補。不過，也可以將這套作品視為馬天奴給自己的練習：如何在故意玩弄節奏下作出很自然悅耳的音樂，這點我覺得算是成功。
其實那些節奏特質，也是三首奏鳴曲的重要部分，我始終覺得三首都不算傑出，個人較喜歡《第三》（軌14至16），因為我喜歡第一樂章在特殊節奏做出一點思鄉情懷，搖曳的旋律我也喜歡，第三樂章的四複拍我也覺得挺好玩。不過《第二》（軌11至13）可能較好的綜納三首奏鳴曲的共同點，所以也可說是如果只聽一首，聽《第二》就可以。
The three Martinu cello sonatas on one disc, plus 7 Arabesques that might be played on violin or cello. These Arabesques are subtitled “Rhythm Studies”, in which the cello has to sail through some rhythmic hurdles while the piano keeps strict, almost metronomic time. But in view of 20th century repertoire these rhythm complexities are just kid stuff. If a cellist couldn’t sight read them then now’s the time for him/her to put in some practice. You may also regard them as studies for the composer: how to play around with rhythm and compose very natural-sounding and enjoyable music at the same time. As such Martinu did a very good job.
Rhythm is also an important element of the cello sonatas. Neither is superb to my taste but I can say I like the Third Sonata (tracks 14-16) best. There is a sense of nostalgia within the complex, sometimes rocking rhythm. And the 12/8 time of the third movement is quite exciting. But if you have to choose one to focus on then go for the Second Sonata (tracks 11-13) which contains most of the elements of these sonatas.