Dive into the rich and evocative world of 20th-century classical music with Raphael Wallfisch's captivating album, "20th Century Works for Cello and Strings." Released on November 1, 2007, under Nimbus Records, this collection showcases Wallfisch's virtuosity and emotional depth as he navigates a diverse range of compositions for cello and strings.
The album spans a little over an hour and eleven minutes, featuring a blend of chamber music and orchestral works that highlight the cello's expressive range. From the hauntingly beautiful "Grave" to the intricate "Metamorphoses for Cello and String Orchestra," each piece is a testament to the composer's ingenuity and Wallfisch's masterful interpretation. The "Epyllion" suite, with its four distinct movements, offers a journey through varying moods and tempos, while the "Trauermusik" suite, culminating in the solemn "Choral," provides a profound and reflective experience.
Wallfisch's rendition of the "Cello Concerto, Op. 90" is a standout, showcasing his technical prowess and artistic sensitivity. The album also includes the poignant "Kaddish for Cello and Piano," a three-movement work that blends sorrow and hope in a deeply moving manner.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling exploration of the cello's versatility and the depth of 20th-century composition. Raphael Wallfisch's performances bring these works to life with a blend of passion, precision, and profound musicality.
(C) 2007 Wyastone Estate Limited
Tracks
Grave, Metamorphoses for Cello and String OrchestraWitold Lutosławski, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Epyllion: I. Lento moderatoElizabeth Maconchy, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Epyllion: II. Scherzo: VivoElizabeth Maconchy, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Epyllion: III. LentoElizabeth Maconchy, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Epyllion: IV. ModeratoElizabeth Maconchy, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Trauermusik: I. LangsamPaul Hindemith, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Trauermusik: II. Ruhig bewegtPaul Hindemith, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Trauermusik: III. LebhaftPaul Hindemith, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Trauermusik: IV. Choral "Für deinen Thron tret ich hiermit" - Sehr langsamPaul Hindemith, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Kaddish for Cello and Piano: I. Largamente, un poco rubato - Allegro molto, con forzaMark Kopytman, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Kaddish for Cello and Piano: II. Andante, lontanoMark Kopytman, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim
Kaddish for Cello and Piano: III. Lento, quasi recitativo - Giocoso, vivace - Lento, dolenteMark Kopytman, Raphael Wallfisch, William Boughton, Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim