KODALY & NOVAK: Cello Sonatas - Jiri Barta, Jan Cech

Outstanding cellist Jiří Bárta is represented in the Supraphon catalogue by a thoroughly remarkable recording of J.S.Bach's suites for solo cello; a CD of cello concertos by Dmitry Shostakovich; a complete 2CD set of Dvořák's works for cello and piano, including the world premiere of the Cello Concerto No. 1 in A major with piano accompaniment; as well as a no less original CD entitled Reflections. Faithful to his unorthodox line, this time out he opted to couple Zoltán Kodály's well-known and sought-after solo sonata with another two works by the same composer, albeit ones that have been less frequently performed: a sonata with piano accompaniment, plus a smaller-scale sonatina. Moreover, as a counterpoint to this Kodály "bloc", he added a bonus in the form of a sonata by Vítězslav Novák, which received its premiere on this CD.
Bárta's creative share, boosted by his partner Jan Čech at the piano, is quite formidable and therefore highly recommended to your ears.
Jiří Bárta's fascinating accounts of sonatas by Zoltán Kodály and Vítězslav Novák.

Zoltán Kodály
Sonata for Cello Solo, Op. 8
1. Allegro maestoso, ma appassionato 09:52
2. Adagio (noc grand' espressione) 12:19
3. Allegro molto vivace 12:10
Zoltán Kodály
Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 4
4. Fantasia. Adagio di molto 09:42
5. Allegro con spirito 10:19
Vítězslav Novák
Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 68
6. Allegro appasionato. Pochetino meno mosso. Assai sostenuto, con intimissimo sentimento. Poco meno. Poco piu 18:27