Alban Gerhardt: Casals Encores
This new release by German cellist Alban Gerhardt recaptures the novelty of the much-loved encores performed many years ago by Pablo Casals.
Spanish-born Casals was universally recognized as one of the world’s greatest cellists and had a vast repertoire of intimate encores which were adored by his audiences. The disc features transcriptions of works by many notable composers including Fauré, Chopin, Saint-Saëns, Boccherini and Wagner. Also featured are frequently performed musical gems by David Popper: Vito, Chanson villageoise and his Mazurka in G minor, pieces which have gained a special place in the cello literature.
Alban Gerhardt performs these miniature masterworks with excellent sensitivity and strong technical capabilities. Gerhardt is intelligently partnered and perfectly matched with pianist Cecile Licad on her Hyperion debut. This unique disc demonstrates sublime musicianship, with both performers giving us a wide expressive scope from the vivacious to the lyrical.
Tracks on this CD:
Casals Encores
Boccherini:
- Cello Sonata in A major, G4a: Allegro Moderato
Chopin:
- Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 9 No. 2
arr. David Popper
- Prelude Op. 28 No. 15 in D flat major ‘Raindrop’
arr. Pablo Casals
Debussy:
- Petite Suite: Menuet
Elgar:
- Salut d’amour, Op. 12
Falla:
- Nana (No. 5 from Siete canciones populares españolas)
Fauré:
- Après un rêve, Op. 7 No. 1
Godard, B:
- Berceuse from Jocelyn
Granados:
- Danza española, Op. 37 No. 5 ‘Andaluza’
Kreisler:
- Chanson Louis XIII and Pavane (In the style of Couperin)
Lassen:
- Thine Eyes So Blue
MacDowell:
- Romance for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 35
Popper:
- La Chanson villageoise, Op. 62 No. 2
- Mazurka in G minor, Op. 11 No. 3
- Vito, Spanish Dance Op. 54/5
Saint-Saëns:
- Le Carnaval des Animaux: Le Cygne
- Allegro Appassionato in B minor Op. 43
Sgambati:
- Serenata napoletana, Op. 24 No. 2
trad.: The Song of the Birds
traditional, arr. Pablo Casals
Wagner:
- O du, mein holder Abendstern (from Tannhäuser)
Here is Alban Gerhardt with Casals Encores:
And here is Alban Gerhardt playing Bach:
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Tags: Alban Gerhardt, Casals Encores, Cello, Cecile Licad