Britten: Complete Cello Suites

Featuring

Torleif Thedéen
Benjamin Britten

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Compositional Technique

Britten's Third Cello Suite clearly synthesizes influences from Bach, Shostakovich, Rostropovitch, and Tchaikovsky, even incorporating Shostakovich's musical signature DSCH.

Performer Biography

Cellist Torleif Thedéen made his international breakthrough in 1985 by winning three major prizes, including the Hammer-Rostropovitch prize.

Composition History

Benjamin Britten's five cello works, including these suites, were inspired by his meeting with Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovitch in 1960.

Composer's Artistic Vision

J.S. Bach's cello suites were a significant inspiration for Britten, though Britten did not strictly adhere to baroque movement patterns in his own suites.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Britten's cello suites are considered musical portraits of Mstislav Rostropovitch, reflecting both his playing style and personal qualities.

Compositional Technique

Britten frequently used the suite form, especially later in his life, because it offered him greater freedom compared to the more organized sonata form.