Karen Freer

A member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for seven years, cellist Karen Freer performs in recital Tues., Oct. 4, 8 p.m., at the Schwartz Center. Though navigating recordings of classical music can be a daunting task for a casual listener, Freer breaks down her “top five” picks of exemplary cello music:

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1) Cello Sonatas — composed by Brahms, performed by Jacqueline du Pré, cello; Daniel Barenboim, piano: “Impassioned, convincing interpretations of two of the greatest sonatas for cello and piano ever written.”

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2) “Symphony Concertante” — composed by Prokofiev, performed by Mstislav Rostropovich, cello; with London Symphony Orchestra: “A vibrant, colorful showpiece.”

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3) “Sonata for Solo Cello” — composed by Kodaly, performed by Janos Starker, cello: “A wild and virtuosic work, but Starker makes it sound easy.”

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4) “Sonata for Violin and Cello” — composed by Ravel, performed by Lynn Harrell, cello; Nigel Kennedy, violin: “Harrell’s playing always amazes me. He has technical prowess, but he also strives for a unique musical interpretation in everything he does.”

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5) “Cello Concerto” — composed by Dvorak, performed by Pierre Fournier, cello; with Berlin Philharmonic: “The definitive performance of the definitive cello concerto.”






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