Benjamin Kruithof, Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, Conrad van Alphen - Russian Mood (2021)

Tracklist

01. Pezzo capriccioso, Op. 62, TH 62
02. Chant du ménestrel, Op. 71
03. Sonntag Morgen, Op. 20 No. 1 (Arr. for Cello & Orchestra)
04. Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33, TH 57
05. Nocturne, Op. 19 No. 4, TH 64 (Version for Cello & Orchestra)
06. Andante cantabile, Op. 11, TH 63 (Version for Cello & Strings)
07. Fantasy on Little Russian Songs, Op. 43 (Arr. for Cello & Orchestra)
08. Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 (Arr. C. Leon for Cello & Orchestra)



If one tries to characterize Russian music, then one almost involuntarily finds descriptions such as "soulful", "melancholic" or even "emotionally charged", attributes that could also apply to the sphere of sound of the violoncello. Benjamin Kruithof and the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie conducted by Conrad van Alphen play Tchaikovsky's short tasteful salon piece Pezzo capriccioso, the cheerful, elegant and witty Rococo Variations, the Nocturne in C-sharp minor from his piano cycle Opus 19 and the slow movement (Andante cantabile) from his String Quartet No. 1, Op. 11 - plus Glazunov's Chant du ménestrel, Op. 71 and Dawidov's peacefully flowing Sunday Morning, Op. 20.

Popper's Fantasy on Little Russian Songs, Op. 43 combines the lyrical mellifluousness and sheer unfailing bravura that also distinguished Popper's own cello playing. Rachmaninov's Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 completes the programme.

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