The transcriptions on this album, particularly of Schumann's pieces, reveal a harmonic richness that is less apparent in their original versions.
Performer Biography
Les Violoncelles Français is an octet of eight leading figures from the French school of cello-playing, including Emmanuelle Bertrand, Eric-Maria Couturier, and Roland Pidoux, who also created the transcriptions for this album.
Recording & Production
This album is the first recording by Les Violoncelles Français, an octet that has been acclaimed by critics and audiences since their debut concerts in 2006.
Interpretation
Since there are few original works for cello ensemble, the repertoire for this octet was created by selecting and transcribing existing works to highlight the instrument's wide range and expressive possibilities.
Compositional Technique
The cello, once relegated to the role of 'bass violin' due to the demands of opera, had to fight for recognition against the viola da gamba.
Compositional Technique
Transcription, though sometimes controversial, has historically been essential in music, giving rise to instrumental music and allowing composers like Bach to adopt different styles.
Interpretation
This album features an octet of cellos, a formation that revives the tradition of ensembles made up of instruments from the same family, common until the early 18th century.
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