Lise Cristiani (1825-1853) made history in 1844 in Paris as the first female instrumentalist to perform on stage playing the cello, defying societal conventions.
Composition History
This album features the world premiere recording of Alexander Batta's "Guillaume Tell - Morceau de concert pour trois violoncelles et piano," based on themes from Rossini's opera.
Performer Biography
Lise Cristiani embarked on an adventurous tour across Siberia in 1849, becoming the first Western musician to give recorded concerts there, traveling over 19,000 kilometers in extreme cold.
Historical Context
In the 1840s, women were generally only permitted to play piano, harp, or guitar in public; playing the cello was considered shocking due to the posture required.
Instruments
Lise Cristiani traveled with her 'lord Stradivarius' cello, which she affectionately called her 'beautiful, dear, noble husband,' wrapping it in wolf pelts for warmth during her Siberian journey.
Composer Biography
François Servais (1807-1866), a Belgian cellist and composer, expanded the cello's range and technical possibilities through his innovative bowing and left-hand techniques.
Composer Biography
Alexander Batta (1816-1902), a Dutch cellist and composer, was inspired by the vibrato of tenor Giovanni Battista Rubini to apply this expressive technique to the cello.
You might also enjoy...
Cello Music of the XIXth–XXth Centuries
Lise Cristiani (Deluxe Album)
Beyond
The Complete Acoustic Recordings, Vol. 2
Cello Recital: Bailey, Zuill - Francoeur, F. / Bach, J.S. / Beethoven, L. / Mendelssohn, F. / Chopin, F. / Vieuxtemps, H.
