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Johannes Moser at Mandel Hall

Johannes Moser at Mandel Hall
By M.L. Rantala
Hyde Park Herald
December 10, 2008

Last month, University of Chicago Presents hosted cellist Johannes Moser and pianist Paul Rivinius. They were at their best in Beethoven's Cello Sonata in D major, op. 102, no. 2. Both musicians had lots of sizzle, were expertly quiet and careful in the middle movement, and truly triumphant in the grand conclusion. Also pleasing was their performance of Takemitsu's "Orion," a complex landscape of sound from Japan's most popular 20th century composer.

The pair was less convincing in Beethoven's Cello Sonata in C major, op. 102, no. 1 and Britten's Cello Sonata in C major, opting to emphasize the gimmicky aspects of the works. The Britten was also overwrought at times, but Moser was adept at creating beautiful guitarlike sounds in the second movement.

Brahms's "Sappische Ode" was a splendid encore and sent folks home with a smile on their faces.