The cello was chosen as the central instrument for this album due to its adaptability and versatility, capable of performing in various musical roles and genres.
Performer Biography
Ophélie Gaillard, the cellist and director of this album, has a strong emotional connection with the United Kingdom, nurtured by various key moments in her career.
Historical Context
In the 18th century, London was a unique and effervescent center for musical and aesthetic developments in Europe, largely due to its openness to foreign influences.
Recording & Production
Ophélie Gaillard performs on a Francesco Goffriller cello from 1737, generously loaned by the CIC.
Historical Context
Many leading Italian cellists, such as Nicola Porpora and Giovanni Battista Cirri, sought their fortune and settled in London from the 1720s onwards, publishing a considerable number of works there.
Album & Artwork
The album title "Pulcinella" and its concept were inspired by the character of Giovanni Battista Cirri, a virtuoso cellist and composer who was highly versatile in London.
Interpretation
The album's program aims to evoke the colorful diversity of London's musical life in the 18th century by mixing various genres, including cello concertos, operatic arias, and Scottish tunes.
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