Dive into the enchanting world of classical music with Antonio Meneses' latest album, "After a Dream," released on September 1, 2023, under the Azul Music label. This captivating collection features 12 meticulously crafted tracks, spanning a total duration of approximately 62 minutes. Meneses, renowned for his virtuosity as a cellist, soloist, and chamber musician, collaborates with pianist Cristian Budu to deliver a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive.
The album opens with a transcription of César Franck's Violin Sonata in A Major, FWV 8, beautifully adapted for cello and piano. This piece sets the tone for the album, showcasing Meneses' exquisite tone and Budu's sensitive accompaniment. The repertoire continues with a mix of well-known and lesser-heard works, including Gabriel Fauré's Élégie, Op. 24, and Claude Debussy's Préludes, Book 1, L. 117: No. 8, La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin, arranged for cello and piano by Meneses and Budu. The album also features works by Gabriel Fauré, including his iconic "Après un Rêve" from 3 Songs, Op. 7, arranged by Pablo Casals, and the hauntingly beautiful "Vocalise-Étude en Forme de Habanera" by Maurice Ravel, arranged by Paul Bazelaire.
One of the highlights of the album is Camille Saint-Saëns' "Le Cygne" from "Le Carnaval des Animaux," a piece that allows Meneses to display his remarkable technical prowess and musical sensitivity. The album concludes with Fauré's Sonata for Cello and Piano, L. 135, a work that encapsulates the essence of the French composer's style and provides a fitting finale to this extraordinary collection.
"After a Dream" is a testament to Antonio Meneses' artistry and his ability to breathe new life into both familiar and obscure works. The album is a celebration of the cello's expressive range and the enduring power of classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
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