Haydn & Boccherini: Concertos pour violoncelle

Album Description

Experience the timeless elegance of classical music with Maurice Gendron's "Haydn & Boccherini: Concertos pour violoncelle," a captivating album released in 1960. This exquisite collection features Maurice Gendron, a renowned cellist, accompanied by the Orchestre Lamoureux and the legendary Pablo Casals. The album showcases two iconic cello concertos: Haydn's Concerto pour violoncelle No. 2 in D Major, Op. 101, and Boccherini's Concerto pour violoncelle No. 9 in B-Flat Major, G. 482.

Maurice Gendron's masterful performance brings these compositions to life, highlighting the intricate nuances and rich harmonies that define these works. The album opens with Haydn's Concerto No. 2, a piece known for its lyrical beauty and technical brilliance, followed by Boccherini's Concerto No. 9, which is celebrated for its graceful melodies and virtuosic passages. This recording is particularly notable as it includes the first-ever recording of Boccherini's concerto.

Recorded in mono, the album captures the essence of these timeless pieces with a warmth and clarity that transports the listener back to the golden age of classical music. The collaboration between Gendron, Casals, and the Orchestre Lamoureux results in a performance that is both historically significant and musically compelling. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a delightful journey through some of the most beloved works in the cello repertoire.

1 januari 1960

1960 - BNF Collection 2015

About Maurice Gendron

Maurice Gendron, born near Nice in 1920, was a French cellist, conductor, and teacher renowned for his elegant and poised playing style. Widely regarded as one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century, Gendron's career was marked by his bold, strong, and assertive performances, which captivated audiences worldwide. He was an active member of the French Resistance during World War II and later received the prestigious titles of Officer of the Legion of Honor and recipient of the National Order of Merit.

Gendron's musical journey began at the age of four with the violin, but he soon switched to the cello, an instrument he fell in love with. His early exposure to music came from his mother, who played the cello in a local silent movie house. Gendron's career flourished as he recorded many standard and rare works, collaborated with famous musicians, and taught at esteemed institutions such as the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Conservatoire de Paris. He also authored a book on cello technique, sharing his expertise with aspiring cellists.

One of Gendron's most notable possessions was his 18th-century Stradivarius cello, which became known as the ex-Gendron cello. His performances, particularly of the Prokofiev concerto and his trio with the Menuhin family, showcased his lyrical style and brought him international acclaim. Gendron's legacy endures through his recordings, his teachings, and the enduring influence of his playing style.