Review on the CD, Brahms: The Complete Trios for Piano, Violin & Cello; Beethoven: 'Archduke' Trio--The American Chamber Trio
"Though the American Chamber Trio has been around for more than 20 years, they only recently started making recordings. These Brahms and Beethoven readings seem to reflect many years of preparation. They are extremely expressive, mature interpretations that concentrate on the substance of the music. Though the individual playing is spectacular, it is the ensemble playing and the sensitivity to the way every note and every phrase relate to each other that make this recording so satisfying..." (read more)
The New York Times
Concert Review
"So rewarding was Saturday's evening of cello and piano music-all of it by Beethoven-at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall that one regretted missing its companion concert a week before. Together the two events, featuring Daniel Morganstern and Eric Larsen, programmed the five sonatas and the three sets of variations that Beethoven contributed to this then unusual combination of instruments..." (read more)
The American Record Guide
Review on the CD, Beethoven Cello Sonatas, Op.5--Daniel Morganstern (Cello) and Eric Larsen (Piano)
"The finest playing is heard from cellist Daniel Morganstern (principal in Chicago's Lyric Opera) and pianist Eric Larsen, both of whom have a fine feel for the Brahmsian idiom-and from whom I would like to hear more."--Allen Linkowski
The American Record Guide
Review on the CD, Beethoven Three Sonatas for Piano and Violoncello--Daniel Morganstern (Cello) and Eric Larsen (Piano)
"These are very serious, technically polished readings of Beethoven's last three cello sonatas. This music demands much from its performers, and Morganstern and Larsen appear to give it their all."
The American Record Guide
Review on the CD, Chopin: Introduction and Polonaise Brilliante, Op. 3; Schubert: Sonata in A minor; Rachmaninoff: Sonata in G minor, Op. 19
"Morganstern's performance is primarily a virtuoso event. He opens with a fiery performance of a difficult arrangement of the Chopin Polonaise, putting the cellist through feats of technical wizardry."
The Instrumentalist
Review on the CD, Larsen and Morganstern--Eric Larsen (Piano), Daniel Morganstern (Cello)
"Larsen and Morganstern features Daniel Morganstern on cello and Eric Larsen on piano... This recording shows that Morganstern practices what he teaches. Morganstern and Larsen treat the Beethoven Sonatas Op.69 and Op.120 as equal dialogues for cello and piano, and these dialogues are beautiful, intricate, and reverant. The sound of the Sonatas is both intimate and indulgent..." (read more)
Stringendo
Review on Liszt Two Elegies, Edited by Daniel Morganstern
"The Two Elegies date from the 1870's, the later part of Liszt's life. Originally for piano, Liszt made new versions of the works for cello and piano. The works are paired here and edited by American cellist Daniel Morganstern, who has supplied clear, logical fingering and bowing..." (read more)
Stringendo
Review on Saint-Saëns Concerto No. 1, Edited by Daniel Morganstern
"If you are thinking of purchasing a copy of Saint-Saëns' excellent (and often underrated) Cello Concerto and want to know if this is the edition you should buy, allow me to get right to the point for you. Is the IMC edition arranged and edited by Daniel Morganstern any good? Yes it is...(read more)
Strad Magazine
Review on Heard But Not Seen, by Daniel Morganstern
"In his short but compelling memoir, US cellist Daniel Morganstern refers to the 'leapfrog theory' of career management, which involves proactively creating one's own opportunities. In self-publishing this book, he provides a concrete example of how he has done this throughout his career..." (read more)
Strings Magazine
Review on Saint-Saëns Concerto No. 1, Edited by Daniel Morganstern
"Cellist Daniel Morganstern has previously edited the Dvorak and Schumann concertos, the Boccherini B-flat concerto, and Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations with a second cello accompaniment. He cites pianist Leonard Shure (1910-95) as his inspiration, with Shure playing an improvised bass line to the Bach D minor cello suite...(read more)
Stringendo
Review on Fundamentals of Cello Technique and Musical Interpretation and Practice for Performance for Cello and Related String Instruments, by Daniel Morganstern
"These 2 books from the same author have some similar content but different presentations. Author, Daniel Morganstern, long time principal cellist of the Chicago Opera and American Ballet, as well as chamber musician and soloist, discusses cello technique and its application in performance. He draws on his own experiences and the influences of his teachers, Leonard Rose, Luigi Silva, Channing Robbins and Leonard Shure..." (read more)
American String Teacher
Review on Practice for Performance for Cello and Related String Instruments, by Daniel Morganstern
November 2003 "Daniel Morganstern has written a very different and delightful cello book where he uses personal experiences to discuss technical preparation as it relates to the goal of performing inspired music ... this book is for serious musicians. Age or experience level does not matter ... you will find wonderful tidbits to chew on and savor many times."
The Instrumentalist
Review on Practice for Performance for Cello and Related String Instruments, by Daniel Morganstern
July 2002 "This book is a delight. Any author who pays homage to a former teacher and also encourages others to excel as musicians is at the top of my list. This book is a joy to read, and I recommend it to cellists, students, teachers, and performers."
William Preucil Sr.
Professor of Music, Emeritus, University of Iowa
Doris Preucil
Founding Director of the Preucil School of Music, Past presidents of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, Inc.
Review on Practice for Performance for Cello and Related String Instruments, by Daniel Morganstern
"Practice for Performance by Daniel Morganstern contains ideas not to be found in any other treatise on the subject of musical preparation. Set in the context of a personal history of growth as a performer, the discoveries sensibly unfold in a fascinating account of experiences with many notable artists whose comments and examples shaped Mr. Morganstern's thinking to provide this unique concept of performance development."
Stringendo
Review on Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Edited by Daniel Morganstern
"If you buy the new IMC edition of the Rococo Variations you will receive a free lesson. Daniel Morganstern has written commentary and preparatory exercises for all the variations, giving you helpful ideas about fingerings, different bowings to investigate, melodic phrasing, specific methods of practice using accented rhythmic exercises and general performance tips..." (read more)
Strings Magazine
Review on Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Edited by Daniel Morganstern
"Daniel Morganstern has written commentary and preparatory exercises for all the variations, giving you helpful ideas about fingerings, different bowings to investigate, melodic phrasing, specific methods of practice using accented rhythmic exercises and general performance tips..." (read more)
American String Teacher
Review on Fundamentals of Cello Technique and Musical Interpretation, by Daniel Morganstern
"Morganstern, principal cellist of the Lyric Opera in Chicago and the American Ballet Theater at the Metropolitan Opera House, pays homage to Leonard Rose in this unique method book for cello. This book offers many helpful and practical ideas complete with sometimes lengthy but enjoyable explanations on how to approach certain technical or musical challenges..." (read more)
Stringendo
Review on Cello Solos from Opera and Ballet, by Daniel Morganstern
"Cellist Daniel Morganstern has previously edited the Dvorak and Schumann concertos, the Boccherini B-flat concerto, and Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations with a second cello accompaniment. He cites pianist Leonard Shure (1910-95) as his inspiration, with Shure playing an improvised bass line to the Bach D minor cello suite...(read more)
American String Teacher
Review on Cello Solos from Opera and Ballet, by Daniel Morganstern
"While many symphonic excerpt books are available, none is so thorough and affordable as this unique collection. Morganstern draws on his 30-year tenure as principal cellist of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and American Ballet Theatre to offer reliable fingerings, intelligent bowings, and subtle interpretive suggestions in 28 solo excerpts from the operas and ballets of Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Tchaikovsky and others..." (read more)
Strings Magazine
Review on Cello Solos from Opera and Ballet, by Daniel Morganstern
"This…compendium was assembled and edited by Daniel Morganstern, who is in a unique position to expound on these materials, having been principal cellist of both the American Ballet Theatre and the Chicago Lyric Opera orchestras during his 30-year career...(read more)
American Record Guide
Review on the CD,William Ryden Rags, Spells, and Tangos--The American Chamber Trio
"Willian Ryden (born 1939) has written more than 300 rags for piano. This is an enjoyable program, because the music is deft and charming. The 'spells' include the second piece, 'Lisa's Spell.' It is very slow and meditative - and quite beautiful. Another one like it is the 'Rag Triste' - seven minutes of gentle sweetness. Mr. Ryden is very good at slow rags, and another one here that I really like is 'Bread and Butterfly.'"
Stringendo
Review on The Music of William Ryden, Three Wonderland Rags for Violin, Violoncello, and Piano, Edited by The American Chamber Trio
"These rags by the contemporary American composer William Ryden are based on characters from Alice In Wonderland, with colourful titles such as The Frumious Bandersnatch and The Bread and Butter Fly. A preface from the composer gives some background to the inspiration...(read more)
Strings Magazine
Review on Brahms Trio No. 2 in C Major, Edited by The American Chamber Trio
October 2008 "This recent edition improves on the widely used Peters edition in several ways, most notably by carrying bar numbers and cues in the string parts during rests. The print is clear; spacing is sometimes generous, sometimes crowded, probably for ease of page turning. There is no claim to authenticity, footnotes, or explanatory introduction. Brahms' long phrase marks always pose problems for string players, who tend to confuse them with bowings, but the editors wisely avoid this misconception and freely break them up for maximum sound."
The American Record Guide
Review on the CD, Brahms: The Complete Trios for Piano, Violin & Cello; Beethoven: 'Archduke' Trio--The American Chamber Trio
"Though the American Chamber Trio has been Around for more than 20 years, they only recently started making recordings. These Brahms and Beethoven readings seem to reflect many years of preparation. They are extremely expressive, mature interpretations that concentrate on the substance of the music. Though the individual playing is spectacular, it is the ensemble playing and the sensitivity to the way every note and every phrase relate to each other that make this recording so satisfying."
"There are so many qualities to admire here. The combination of sounds in this trio is unusual. Daniel Morganstern's cello sound is deep, rich, and very focused. June DeForest's violin sound has a more transparent quality that sounds particularly wonderful when she and Morganstern play unison and octave passages. The pianist, Eric Larsen, is like a chameleon, changing his color and touch to match every voicing situation, creating constant interest and variety."
"Much of the music seems driven by the cello line (as in those old Casals recordings), which brings the attention of the listener into the center of the music rather that towards the highest voice of towards the most active instrument."
"It is also wonderful to have such a fine set of Brahms Trios for violin, cello, and piano all together, but it is even more wonderful to have them bundled with the Beethoven Archduke, because the reading is so engaging. I particularly love Morganstern's vocal approach to the cello Melodies."
The New York Times
Concert Review
Music: Night of Beethoven
"So rewarding was Saturday's evening of cello and piano music-all of it by Beethoven-at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall that one regretted missing its companion concert a week before. Together the two events, featuring Daniel Morganstern and Eric Larsen, programmed the five sonatas and the three sets of variations that Beethoven contributed to this then unusual combination of instruments.
Rarely is this music allowed to speak in such a natural, buoyant voice. Mr. Morganstern played the cello with a big tone and broad gesture.
Mr. Larsen's playing is shaped by an understanding of Classical style. Together the two musicians were well-matched and well-rehearsed. These are also pieces as much for the piano as for the cello-a fact that Mr. Larsen and Mr. Morganstern explained to us with considerable eloquence."
--Bernard Holland
The Instrumentalist
Review on the CD, Larsen and Morganstern--Eric Larsen (Piano), Daniel Morganstern (Cello)
January 2006
"Larsen and Morganstern features Daniel Morganstern on cello and Eric Larsen on piano... This recording shows that Morganstern practices what he teaches. Morganstern and Larsen treat the Beethoven Sonatas Op.69 and Op.120 as equal dialogues for cello and piano, and these dialogues are beautiful, intricate, and reverant. The sound of the Sonatas is both intimate and indulgent."
"The Brahms Sonata in F Major, Op.99, the Chopin Sonata in G Minor, and Introduction and Polonaise Brilliante sound as if they were recorded from a farther distance with different acoustics. I particularly love the way Moganstern and Larsen play the Chopin Sonata, one of the few pieces written by Chopin for an instrument other than the solo piano. These musicians stress the formal and lyrical qualities, and they keep the style light and flowing throughout the performance."
"In contrast, the Introduction and Polonaise Brilliante is an intensely expressive piece with an indulgent introduction followed by an absolutely thrilling and virtuosic Polonaise."
Stringendo
Journal of the Australian String Association (AUSTA)
Review on Liszt Two Elegies, Edited by Daniel Morganstern
October 2014
Stringendo
Journal of the Australian String Association (AUSTA)
Review on Saint-Saëns Concerto No. 1, Edited by Daniel Morganstern
October 2014
Strad Magazine
Review on Heard But Not Seen, by Daniel Morganstern
September 2014
Strings Magazine
Review on Saint-Saëns Concerto No. 1, Edited by Daniel Morganstern
May 2014
Stringendo
Journal of the Australian String Association (AUSTA)
Review on Fundamentals of Cello Technique and Musical Interpretation and Practice for Performance for Cello and Related String Instruments, by Daniel Morganstern
November 2009
"These 2 books from the same author have some similar content but different presentations. Author, Daniel Morganstern, long time principal cellist of the Chicago Opera and American Ballet, as well as chamber musician and soloist, discusses cello technique and its application in performance. He draws on his own experiences and the influences of his teachers, Leonard Rose, Luigi Silva, Channing Robbins and Leonard Shure.
Directed towards professional players, Morganstern provides exercises for a daily routine to both develop and maintain a cellist's technical tools that can be drawn upon in performance situations. Numerous exercises, particularly for the bow, are given with explanations of how to best use the material. Examples from the repertoire are used to illustrate Morganstern's perspective on musical interpretation. Most note worthy is the appendix: "Comprehensive Notes on the Pedagogical Methods of Leonard Rose" by Scott Ballantyne (Rose's teaching assistant at Juilliard), which is essential reading for all teachers of the cello.
Directed towards professional players, Morganstern provides exercises for a daily routine to both develop and maintain a cellist's technical tools that can be drawn upon in performance situations. Numerous exercises, particularly for the bow, are given with explanations of how to best use the material. Examples from the repertoire are used to illustrate Morganstern's perspective on musical interpretation. Most note worthy is the appendix: "Comprehensive Notes on the Pedagogical Methods of Leonard Rose" by Scott Ballantyne (Rose's teaching assistant at Juilliard), which is essential reading for all teachers of the cello."
Stringendo
Journal of the Australian String Association (AUSTA)
Review on Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Edited by Daniel Morganstern
November 2009
"If you buy the new IMC edition of the Rococo Variations you will receive a free lesson. Daniel Morganstern has written commentary and preparatory exercises for all the variations, giving you helpful ideas about fingerings, different bowings to investigate, melodic phrasing, specific methods of practice using accented rhythmic exercises and general performance tips. This edition with a second cello part is ideal for someone who hasn't yet learnt the work, doesn't have a teacher or access to a piano. It is heavily fingered and bowed, often with alternate bowings and fingerings given.
Daniel Morganstern studied with Leonard Rose and has held positions as principal cellist in the American Ballet Theatre and the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestras. The focus of Daniel's teaching has always been to further the legacy of Leonard Rose. His book, Fundamentals of Cello Technique and Musical Expression (IMC 3556) and his Practice of Music (Mel Bay) contain lengthy discussions on his relationship with Leonard Rose and how to use technical means toward musical ends.
I hope this new edition inspires you to learn the Rococo Variations or revisit it with renewed interest."
--Belinda Manwaring
Stringendo
Journal of the Australian String Association (AUSTA)
Review on Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Edited by Daniel Morganstern
December 2009
"Daniel Morganstern has written commentary and preparatory exercises for all the variations, giving you helpful ideas about fingerings, different bowings to investigate, melodic phrasing, specific methods of practice using accented rhythmic exercises and general performance tips. This edition with a second cello part is ideal for someone how hasn't yet learnt the work, doesn't have a teacher or access to a piano. It is heavily fingered and bowed, often with alternating bowing and fingering given.
Daniel Morganstern studied with Leonard Rose and has held positions as principal cellist in the American Ballet Theatre and the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestras. The focus of Daniel's teaching has always been to further the legacy of Leonard Rose. His book, "Fundamentals of Cello Technique and Musical Expression" (IMC 3556) and his "Practice of Music" (Mel Bay) contain lengthy discussions of his relationship with Leonard Rose and how to use technical means towards musical ends."
American String Teacher
Review on Fundamentals of Cello Technique and Musical Interpretation by Daniel Morganstern
August 2006
"Morganstern, principal cellist of the Lyric Opera in Chicago and the American Ballet Theater at the Metropolitan Opera House, pays homage to Leonard Rose in this unique method book for cello. This book offers many helpful and practical ideas complete with sometimes lengthy but enjoyable explanations on how to approach certain technical or musical challenges. Included in the book is an appendix by Scott Ballantyne entitled, "Comprehensive Notes on the Pedagogical Methods of Leonard Rose." Through this book and others written by Morganstern, along with the wonderful performing and teaching of Morganstern and many other famous cellists, the legacy of Leonard Rose will continue to influence the present and future generations of cellists."
Stringendo
Journal of the Australian String Association (AUSTA)
Review on Cello Solos from Opera and Ballet, by Daniel Morganstern
November 2009
"Editor Daniel Morganstern has selected the repertoire for this volume with 35 years experience as principal cellist for the Chicago Opera and American Ballet Theatre. Included are some of the great solo moments and exposed cello parts from opera and ballet repertoire by Bizet, Donizetti, Massanet, Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, and more. In places where it is important or useful, the vocal line, or solo violin part, has been included in small print above the cello part. Morganstern gives us his own fingerings and bowings, which he has found successful during his long career playing this repertoire. Each excerpt is printed clearly and spaced well."
American String Teacher
Review on Cello Solos from Opera and Ballet, by Daniel Morganstern
November 2007
"While many symphonic excerpt books are available, none is so thorough and affordable as this unique collection. Morganstern draws on his 30-year tenure as principal cellist of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and American Ballet Theatre to offer reliable fingerings, intelligent bowings, and subtle interpretive suggestions in 28 solo excerpts from the operas and ballets of Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Tchaikovsky and others. The editing and the layout are both very good. Every excerpt contains two layers of bowings; the composer's bowing indications along with Morganstern's own suggestions, most of which manage to be both very practical and highly inventive at the same time. The only thing I (B.W.) don't like about this edition are the fingerings.. Morganstern clearly has large hands, because he often recommends fingerings involving double extensions. It would be nice in these cases if he were to suggest an alternate fingering for cellists with smaller hands. The insightful introduction, not to be overlooked, has suggestions about practicing and preparing for the challenges of solo playing in the orchestral setting. Substantial and beneficial for professionals, with vocal cues and lyrics included for context and study, this book is wonderful addition to the cello studio. The marvelous solos – which include richly expressive cello choir passages for ensemble playing – provide an opportunity to introduce students to some of the most beautiful and passionate music in the literature."
Strings Magazine
Review on Cello Solos from Opera and Ballet, by Daniel Morganstern
February 2007
"This…compendium was assembled and edited by Daniel Morganstern, who is in a unique position to expound on these materials, having been principal cellist of both the American Ballet Theatre and the Chicago Lyric Opera orchestras during his 30-year career.
The volume includes a preface with a number of useful practice tips and Morganstern helpfully adds a line for vocal or instrumental cues in several of the excerpts. Excerpts are liberally marked with fingering and bowing, reflecting the editor's long experience. In playing several [of the excerpts] through, the fingering and bowing choices seem eminently sensible and practical to this reviewer.
As a convenient, single-volume survey of representative solos, with good editing, this publication offers value."
Stringendo
Journal of the Australian String Association (AUSTA)
Review on The Music of William Ryden, Three Wonderland Rags for Violin, Violoncello, and Piano, Edited by The American Chamber Trio
October 2011
"These rags by the contemporary American composer William Ryden are based on characters from Alice In Wonderland, with colourful titles such as The Frumious Bandersnatch and The Bread and Butter Fly. A preface from the composer gives some background to the inspiration. The writing captures the fantasy element while the rag style ensures immediate audience appeal. One criticism might be that the numerous repeats do not seem to enhance the overall effect of the pieces. The piano parts ate well edited with judicious fingerings, while the string parts are suited to intermediate players. For a lighter program or a fun encore, one or more of the rags would make an attractive choice. A CD played by the American Chamber Trio is included with this publication."