Pianist Stephen Hough studied the cello until age 14 and, when he occasionally plays it now, he does so with an impressively intense, fast vibrato.
Composition History
The pieces 'Angelic Song' and 'Angelic Dance' by Stephen Hough are based on the musical letters of Steven Isserlis's son's name, Gabriel.
Performer Biography
Cellist Steven Isserlis began cello lessons at age four but was made to stop because he found playing on the wrong side of the bridge endlessly funny, resuming at age six.
Performer Biography
Pianist Stephen Hough's first exposure to a piano was a large, brown instrument with 'yellow and black teeth' in his aunt's room, which he later acquired for five pounds.
Interpretation
The album's program aims to present pieces suitable for cellists at all stages, from beginners to aspiring virtuosos.
Instruments
The cello used for this recording is the 'De Munck/Feuermann' Stradivarius, on loan from the Nippon Music Foundation of Japan.
Recording & Production
The idea for this album originated from the cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Stephen Hough listening to cello pieces played by Isserlis's son, Gabriel, during dinner.
