Immerse yourself in the timeless artistry of Pablo Casals with "Encores and Transcriptions, Vol. 4: Complete Acoustic Recordings, Part 2." This captivating album, released on March 31, 2005, by Naxos, showcases the legendary cellist's mastery and versatility, offering a rich tapestry of classical and chamber music. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, the album features a diverse collection of pieces, including arrangements by Casals himself, such as the enchanting "Andaluza" from his Spanish Dances and the serene "Song without Words: Spring Song."
The album is a testament to Casals' profound musicality and his ability to transcend the boundaries of traditional cello repertoire. It includes iconic compositions like Bach's "Air on the G String," Mendelssohn's "Song without Words," and Schubert's "Ave Maria," as well as lesser-known gems like the "Allegro appassionato" by Saint-Saëns and the "Pavane" by Fauré. Each track is performed with Casals' signature elegance and emotional depth, making this album a treasure trove for both casual listeners and classical connoisseurs.
Casals' interpretations are not just technical showcases but also deeply personal expressions, reflecting his unique artistic vision. The acoustic recordings, dating from 1916 to 1920, capture the essence of his playing in its purest form, offering a glimpse into the past while remaining timeless in their appeal. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Casals or a newcomer to his work, this album is a must-listen, providing an intimate and unforgettable musical experience.
2005 Naxos2005 Naxos
Tracks
Minuet in C MajorJoseph Haydn, Pau Casals, Charles Albert Baker
12 Danzas españolas (Spanish Dances), Op. 37, No. 5. Andaluza: Spanish Dances, Op. 37: No. 5, Andaluza [arr. P. Casals]Enrique Granados, Pau Casals, Charles Albert Baker
Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Hob.VIIb:2: AdagioJoseph Haydn, Pau Casals
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 14: CantilenaGeorg Eduard Goltermann, Pau Casals
Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 5, Op. 62: Song without Words: Spring Song [arr. For cello and piano]Felix Mendelssohn, Pau Casals, Charles Albert Baker
Cello Sonata No. 6 in A Major, G. 4: Cello Sonata in A Major, G4: AllegroLuigi Boccherini, Pau Casals, Charles Albert Baker
Tannhäuser, WWV 70, Tannhauser, Act III: O du, mein holder AbendsternRichard Wagner, Pau Casals
12 Klavierstücke, Op. 85, No. 12. Abendlied: Abendlied, Op. 85, No. 12 (Arranged for cello and orchestra)Robert Schumann, Pau Casals
Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581: II. Larghetto (Arr. For cello)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Pau Casals, Studio ensemble
Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581: II. Larghetto (Arr. For cello)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Pau Casals, Studio ensemble
Chanson Louis XIII and Pavane in the Style of DittersdorfFritz Kreisler, Pau Casals, Charles Albert Baker
Allegro appassionato in B Minor, Op. 43Camille Saint-Saëns, Pau Casals, Charles Albert Baker
Kinderszenen (Scenes of Childhood), Op. 15: VII. Träumerei [Dreaming] [arr. For cello and piano]Robert Schumann, Pau Casals, Walter Golde
Carnival of the Animals: XIII. Le Cygne (the Swan) [arr. For chamber ensemble]Camille Saint-Saëns, Pau Casals, Walter Golde
12 Klavierstücke, Op. 85, No. 12. Abendlied: Abendlied, Op. 85, No. 12 (Arranged for cello and orchestra)Robert Schumann, Pau Casals
Serse (Xerxes), HWV 40: Ombra mai fu [Largo] [arr. For cello and orchestra]George Frideric Handel, Pau Casals
2 Melodies, Op. 3, Melody No. 1 in F Major: Melody in F Major, Op. 3 (Arr. D. Popper)Anton Rubinstein, Pau Casals, Walter Golde
Liebestraume, S. 541/R. 211: No. 3: Nocturne in A-Flat Major (Arr. For cello and piano)Franz Liszt, Pau Casals, Walter Golde
Tannhäuser, WWV 70, Tannhauser, Act III: O du, mein holder AbendsternRichard Wagner, Pau Casals
Thine Eyes so BlueEduard Lassen, Pau Casals, Walter Golde
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: Overture (Suite) No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. Air, "Air on the G String"Johann Sebastian Bach, Pau Casals