Benjamin Britten's "Britten: Suites for Cello Solo" is a captivating collection of three compositions for solo cello, composed between 1964 and 1972. Dedicated to the renowned cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, these suites are a testament to Britten's musical genius and his deep appreciation for the cello's expressive range. The album features the three suites (Op. 72, Op. 80, and Op. 87), each offering a unique blend of technical virtuosity and emotional depth. From the hauntingly beautiful "Lamento" in Suite No. 1 to the intricate "Ciaccona" in Suite No. 2, and the profound "Passacaglia" in Suite No. 3, Britten's compositions are a journey through a variety of moods and styles. The album, recorded in 1998 by harmonia mundi, showcases the intricate and expressive performances that have made these suites an indispensable part of the cello repertoire. Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or new to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2013 harmonia mundi1998 harmonia mundi
Tracks
Cello suites, Suite No. 1, Op. 72: I. Canto primo (Sostenuto e largamente)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 1, Op. 72: II. Fuga (Andante moderato)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 1, Op. 72: III. Lamento (Lento rubato)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 1, Op. 72: IV. Canto secondo (Sostenuto)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 1, Op. 72: V. Serenata (Allegretto pizzicato)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 1, Op. 72: VI. Marcia (Alla marcia moderato)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 1, Op. 72: VII. Canto terzo (Sostenuto)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 1, Op. 72: VIII. Bordone (Moderato quasi recitativo)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 1, Op. 72: IX. Moto perpetuo e Canto quarto (Presto)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 2, Op. 80: I. Declamato (Largo)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 2, Op. 80: II. Fuga (Andante)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 2, Op. 80: III. Scherzo (Allegro molto)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 2, Op. 80: IV. Andante (Lento)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 2, Op. 80: V. Ciaccona (Allegro)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 3, Op. 87: I. Introduzione (Lento)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 3, Op. 87: II. Marcia (Allegro)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 3, Op. 87: III. Canto (Con moto)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 3, Op. 87: IV. Barcarola (Lento)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 3, Op. 87: V. Dialogo (Allegretto)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VI. Fuga (Andante espressivo) - VII. Recitativo (Fantastico)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VIII. Moto perpetuo (Presto)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 3, Op. 87: IX. Passacaglia (Lento solenne)Benjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello suites, Suite No. 3, Op. 87 (1971): Mournful song (Under the little apple tree). Molto semplice - Autumn. Vivace - Street song (The grey eagle). Pesante - Grant repose together with the saints. LentoBenjamin Britten, Jean-Guihen Queyras