Erling Blöndal Bengtsson is noted for not being a pedant to 'authentic' performances, preferring to focus on the music's contemporary meaning rather than historical sound.
Performer Biography
Erling Blöndal Bengtsson studied at the renowned Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia with the distinguished Russian cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, who later cited Bengtsson as a role model.
Recording & Production
This album is an 80th-birthday tribute to Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, featuring live and studio recordings from Iceland between 1973 and 1979, issued for the first time.
Composition History
Edward Elgar composed his Cello Concerto in 1919, in the aftermath of World War I, and it is considered his last significant piece.
Performer Biography
Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, the cellist on this album, has a bronze statue of himself by Olöf Palsdottir at the entrance to Reykjavik's main concert hall in Iceland.
Performer Biography
Erling Blöndal Bengtsson played in the ranks of the Casals Orchestra with Pablo Casals, a famous cellist and conductor, himself conducting.
Instruments
Schubert's Sonata for Arpeggione and Piano was written for the arpeggione, an instrument effectively a bowed guitar, which is now obsolete.
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