Benjamin Britten's Cello Sonata includes a homage to his mutual friend Shostakovich, incorporating Shostakovich's musical 'signature' DSCH.
Historical Context
Frank Bridge, a pacifist, was in despair over the futility of World War I while composing his Cello Sonata, often walking around Kensington in the early hours.
Composition History
Claude Debussy announced a series of six instrumental sonatas, each to be published under the name 'Claude Debussy, musicien français', completing the first for cello in late summer 1915.
Instruments
Truls Mørk, the cellist on this recording, used a Domenico Montagnana cello from 1720, formerly owned by Heinrich Schiff, on loan from an anonymous patron.
Composition History
Benjamin Britten's Cello Sonata was inspired by a meeting with the great Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, who immediately asked Britten for a sonata.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Leoš Janáček, a fierce Moravian nationalist, aimed to break free from Germanic influence in his artistic mission, often turning to Russian literature for inspiration.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Claude Debussy, after initially withdrawing from composition at the outbreak of World War I, decided to continue writing music as a way to create beauty against the horrors of war.
