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Masterclass: Alisa Weilerstein on Chopin’s Cello Sonata in G minor op.65

2021-04-27T20:53:00

AlisaWeilerstein

The American cellist explores how to bring out all the romantic charm of the first movement using fingerings and bowings, without over-reliance on vibrato, rubato or a sticky, sickly sound

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Chopin wrote very few pieces that were not for solo piano, and I am happy to say that the Cello Sonata is one of them. Cello repertoire from before the 20th century is extremely limited, so there is a special appreciation for any cello piece from that time that is truly great. This is one of the last pieces that Chopin wrote, and it’s one of his best. Of course, I would say that, but truly, it is! This first movement is structurally masterful and harmonically engaging, and the melodic writing is inspired. The second movement is one of the most beloved cornerstones of the repertoire.

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