Maxwell Davies: Strathclyde Concerto No. 2

Dive into the rich and expressive world of Peter Maxwell Davies with this captivating album, released on Naxos in 2013. This recording showcases the composer's deep artistic connection with the Ceccanti family, featuring the stunning performances of Vittorio Ceccanti on cello and his father Valerio Ceccanti on piano.

The centerpiece of the album is the Strathclyde Concerto No. 2 for Cello and Orchestra, a work commissioned by the Strathclyde Regional Council and premiered in 1988. This concerto is renowned for its eloquently expressive cello lines, which Ceccanti brings to life with brilliance. The album also includes the world premiere recording of the Cello Sonata, "Sequentia Serpentigena," a six-movement work that explores a range of moods and textures.

In addition to these substantial works, the album features two charming shorter pieces: "The Two Fiddlers: Dances," arranged by Valerio Ceccanti for cello and piano, and "Little Tune for Vittorio in Maremma," a delightful homage to the younger Ceccanti. With a total duration of just over an hour, this album offers a compelling journey through the musical landscape of one of the most significant composers of our time.