A Hungarian rarely comes alone
Two demanding works for violoncello solo, one from the 1930s, the other by the editor of the first, composed a few years ago.
Ferenc Farkas (1905-2000) is one of the most important Hungarian composers of the 20th century. His rich catalog of works encompasses all musical genres. About the genesis of the 1932 composed Sonata per violoncello solo is little known. It was written shortly after Farkas' study visit to Rome and was not printed during his lifetime. The composer's son, conductor András Farkas, who lives in Pully near Lausanne, discovered the manuscript in the estate of the great Hungarian cellist Ede Banda (1917-2004). The charming three-movement work has now been published by Editio Musica Budapest.
Much more concise than the great solo sonata by Farkas' compatriot Zoltán Kodály, the piece is comparable in scope and difficulty to Caspar Cassadó's Suite for violoncello solo. The first movement (Allegro) is characterized by Eastern European rhythms with many changes of time signature. The fingered pizzicati to be played with the left hand are technically demanding. The second movement (Andante) begins with a delicate melody played on the D string in the high register, accompanied by the empty A string. The third movement (Allegro molto) is a lively tarantella which gives the performer the opportunity to demonstrate the brilliance of his bowing technique. A tribute to Farkas' teacher Ottorino Respighi?
The first edition was prepared by the Hungarian cellist Miklós Perényi, who also provided the edition with fingerings.
Perényi has also published a short work for violoncello solo with the same publisher: Introduzione e ScherzoThe composer writes in a commentary: "The work was not written on the basis of pre-planned mathematical calculations, but its composition required a great deal of calculation." Perényi's cello playing is famous for its masterly perfection. It is therefore not surprising that he is not stingy with technical difficulties and effects in both movements and sets the cellist many tricky, interesting tasks, especially for the left hand.
Ferenc Farkas, Sonata per violoncello solo, Z. 14 879, € 7.45, Editio Musica Budapest (Edition Kunzelmann) 2013
Miklós Perényi, Introduzione e Scherzo per violoncello solo, Z. 14 881, € 7.45, 2013
