Antonio Meneses, a renowned Brazilian cellist, presents a captivating collection of romantic cello concertos and variations with his album "Schumann & Saint-Saëns Cello Concertos • Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations." Released on AVIE Records in August 2017, this album is a testament to Meneses' virtuosic skill and deep musical expression.
The album features two complete cello concertos: Robert Schumann's Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129, and Camille Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33. These works showcase the lyrical and dramatic capabilities of the cello, with Meneses delivering a nuanced and powerful performance in each. The concertos are complemented by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33, a piece that highlights the cello's agility and versatility.
Each track is a masterclass in cello technique and musical interpretation, with Meneses' playing characterized by its warmth, precision, and emotional resonance. The album's duration of one hour allows for a comprehensive exploration of these romantic works, making it an essential listen for classical music enthusiasts.
Meneses' performance is supported by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Storgårds, with the orchestral accompaniment adding depth and richness to the cello's sound. The recording quality is excellent, capturing the full range of the cello and the orchestra with clarity and detail.
In summary, this album is a remarkable showcase of Antonio Meneses' artistry, featuring three of the most beloved cello works in the romantic repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
(C) 2017 Antonio Meneses(P) 2017 Antonio Meneses
Tracks
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: I. Nicht zu schnellRobert Schumann, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: II. LangsamRobert Schumann, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: III. Sehr lebhaftRobert Schumann, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33: I. Allegro non troppoCamille Saint-Saëns, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33: II. Allegretto con motoCamille Saint-Saëns, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33: III. Molto allegroCamille Saint-Saëns, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Thema. Moderato assai quasi Andante–Moderato semplicePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. I. Tempo della themaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. II. Tempo della themaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. III. Andante sostenutoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. IV. Andante grazioso – Un poco animatoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. V. Allegro moderato – CadenzaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. VI. AndantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Variation VII e Coda. Allegro vivoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Antonio Meneses, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Claudio Cruz
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