Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative world of Benjamin Britten's cello compositions with this comprehensive collection, released by Hyperion in 2012. This album brings together Britten's major works for cello, originally composed for the legendary Mstislav Rostropovich, offering a rich and diverse exploration of the instrument's expressive capabilities.
The album opens with Britten's Cello Symphony, a powerful and dramatic piece that showcases the cello's orchestral potential. Following this, the Cello Sonata in C Major presents a more intimate and lyrical side of Britten's compositional genius. The sonata's five movements, ranging from the energetic "Dialogo" to the playful "Moto perpetuo," demonstrate Britten's mastery of form and emotion.
The heart of the album lies in the three Cello Suites, each offering a unique journey through a variety of moods and styles. From the contemplative and serene to the lively and virtuosic, these suites highlight Britten's ability to push the boundaries of the cello's expressive range. The suites are filled with diverse movements, including marches, elegies, and even a pizzicato serenade, each offering a distinct character and emotional resonance.
The album concludes with the "Tema 'Sacher'," a short but poignant piece dedicated to the cellist who inspired these works. Throughout the album, Britten's compositions are brought to life with exquisite skill and sensitivity, making this a captivating exploration of one of the 20th century's most significant contributions to the cello repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Britten's work, this collection offers a compelling and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
Cello Symphony, Op. 68: I. Allegro maestosoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Manze
Cello Symphony, Op. 68: II. Presto inquietoBenjamin Britten, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Alban Gerhardt, Andrew Manze
Cello Symphony, Op. 68: III. Adagio – Cadenza ad lib –Benjamin Britten, Andrew Manze, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Symphony, Op. 68: IV. Passacaglia. Andante allegroBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt, Andrew Manze, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65: I. Dialogo. AllegroBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt, Steven Osborne
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65: II. Scherzo-Pizzicato. AllegrettoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt, Steven Osborne
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65: III. Elegia. LentoBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65: IV. Marcia. EnergicoBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65: V. Moto perpetuo. PrestoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt, Steven Osborne
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: I. Canto primo. Sostenuto e largamenteBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: II. Fuga. Andante moderatoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: III. Lamento. Lento rubatoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: IV. Canto segundo. SostenutoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: V. Serenata. Allegretto, pizzicatoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: VI. Marcia. Alla marcia moderatoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: VII. Canto terzo. SostenutoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: VIII. Bordone. Moderato quasi recitativoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: IX. Moto perpetuo e Canto quarto. PrestoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: I. Declamato. LargoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: II. Fuga. AndanteBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: III. Scherzo. Allegro moltoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: IV. Andante lentoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: V. Ciaccona. AllegroBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: I. Introduzione. LentoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: II. Marcia. AllegroBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: III. Canto. Con moto –Benjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: IV. Barcarola. Lento –Benjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: V. Dialogo. Allegretto –Benjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VI. Fuga. Andante espressivoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VII. Recitativo. FantasticoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VIII. Moto perpetuo. PrestoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: IX. Passacaglia. Lento solenne – Mournful Song – Autumn – Street Song – Grant ReposeBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Tema 'Sacher' (1976)Benjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
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