Bruch: Pieces for Violoncello and Orchestra

Featuring

Jan Kučera
Friedrich Kleinhapl
Pavel Sochůrek
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
Max Bruch

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Max Bruch believed the true nature of music lay in melody, considering folk songs to be its sole, inexhaustible source.

Recording & Production

The Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest Czech orchestras, has a rich history dating back to 1926, closely linked to the beginning of radio broadcasting.

Performer Biography

Cellist Friedrich Kleinhapl plays a Giovanni Battista Guadagnini cello from 1743, on loan from the Austrian National Bank's collection.

Historical Context

Max Bruch was a staunch opponent of the 'New German School' around Richard Wagner and later innovators like Richard Strauss, whom he vehemently criticized.

Interpretation

Friedrich Kleinhapl aims to free Max Bruch's music from the 'ashes of his personal history,' focusing on the enduring romantic 'fire' within the compositions.

Compositional Technique

Max Bruch, a Protestant, considered 'Kol Nidrei' not a Jewish composition but an artistic arrangement of an ancient Hebrew folk melody, which he learned in Berlin.

Composer Biography

Max Bruch, born in Cologne in 1838, achieved resounding success at age 27 with his Violin Concerto No. 1, but was unable to replicate this early triumph later in life.