Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach's "Relaxing Classical Cello," a meticulously curated collection of his most enchanting works, reimagined for the rich, resonant tones of the cello. Released on May 25, 2025, under the esteemed Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 18 minutes, offering a serene and sophisticated journey through the classical repertoire.
The album features a diverse array of compositions, from the iconic "Air on the G String" to the delicate "Sicilienne" and the hauntingly beautiful "Vocalise." Each piece has been thoughtfully arranged for cello and piano or cello and orchestra, highlighting the instrument's expressive range and depth. Notable arrangements include those by Victor Blok, Paul Vidal, and John Lloyd Webber, among others, ensuring a fresh and dynamic listening experience.
Bach's mastery of melody and harmony shines through in every track, from the contemplative "Adagio" to the lively "Allegro Fugato." The inclusion of pieces like "Chant du Menestrel" and "Nocturne" adds a touch of romanticism, while the "Elegie" and "Sarabande" offer moments of introspection. The album also features vocal works, such as "Après un rêve," beautifully adapted for cello and piano.
Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "Relaxing Classical Cello" promises a captivating exploration of Bach's enduring genius. The album's blend of well-known favorites and lesser-known gems makes it a compelling addition to any classical music collection.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Maria Kliegel
I. Andante (Completed by V. Blok)Sergei Prokofiev, Gabriel Schwabe
I. Adagio - ModeratoEdward Elgar, Maria Kliegel, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
XIII. The Swan (Arr. P. Vidal for Cello & Orchestra)Camille Saint-Saëns, Gabriel Schwabe, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Marc Soustrot
III. Allegro fugatoLudwig van Beethoven, Maria Kliegel, Nina Tichman
III. AndanteSergei Rachmaninoff, Michael Grebanier, Janet Guggenheim
AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Maria Kliegel, Kristin Merscher
Chant du menestrel, Op. 71Alexander Glazunov, Alexander Rudin, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Igor Golovchin
II. Andante sostenutoSamuel Barber, Wendy Warner, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Marin Alsop
II. Air, "Air on the G String" [trans. L. Rose] [arr. L. Rose for cello and piano]Johann Sebastian Bach, Maria Kliegel, Raymund Havenith
I. Andante graveSergei Prokofiev, Michael Grebanier, Janet Guggenheim
Sicilienne, Op. 78Gabriel Fauré, Ina-Esther Joost Ben-Sasson, Allan Sternfield
III. Adagio sostenutoFrédéric Chopin, Kungsbacka Piano Trio
I. Andante - Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Maria Kliegel, Nina Tichman
Oh, that we two were maying (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Ethelbert Nevin, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
III. ElegiaBenjamin Britten, Tatjana Vassiljeva, Yumiko Urabe
II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Keith Hurvey, Raphael Wallfisch, City of London Sinfonia, Nicholas Kraemer
II. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Andreas Brantelid, Concerto Copenhagen, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Elegie, Op. 24Gabriel Fauré, Maria Kliegel, Nina Tichman
II. Adagio con molto sentimento d'affettoLudwig van Beethoven, Maria Kliegel, Nina Tichman
IV. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Csaba Onczay
No. 14, Vocalise (Arr. for Cello & Orchestra)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Vytautas Sondeckis, Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, David Geringas
III. LargoFrédéric Chopin, Maria Kliegel, Bernd Glemser
No. 4, Nocturne (Version for Cello & Orchestra)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Maria Kliegel, National Symphony Orchestra Of Ireland, Gerhard Markson
3 Songs, Op. 7: No. 1, Après un rêve (Arr. For cello and piano)Gabriel Fauré, Maria Kliegel, Nina Tichman