Werk: Cellosonate Nr. 2 in F-Dur, Op.99

Brahms enflammé, Schumann passionné, Chostakovitch endiablé : rien ne résiste au duo formé par Mischa Maisky et Martha Argerich, qui déchaîne le public de la Philharmonie.

Hakhnazaryan’s programme was rich with meaty music.

The unmistakable approach of the American cellist lent itself easily to both Stravinsky and a recent work by Steven Mackey. It also twisted Brahms a little beyond recognition.

For whatever reason, performers have always seemed to fear the fourth wall. They are content to let their music speak for itself, and any attempt to address the audience verbally is often considered lowbrow. This makes sense in some regards, as it facilitates the image of performer as master and lends artistic integrity to the music.