Schumann's Cello Concerto, though now beloved, was not publicly premiered until 1860, several years after his death, despite being composed in two weeks in 1850.
Instruments
Cellist Zuill Bailey performs on the 'rosette' 1693 Matteo Gofriller Cello, which was formerly owned by Mischa Schneider of the Budapest String Quartet.
Cultural Impact
Beethoven's 'Kreutzer' Sonata inspired Tolstoy's 1889 novella of the same name, The Kreutzer Sonata, and numerous other works for stage and film.
Composition History
Beethoven's 'Kreutzer' Sonata was originally composed for violinist George Augustus Polgreen Bridgetower, but Beethoven changed the dedication to Rudolf Kreutzer after an argument.
Interpretation
This album features arrangements of Schumann's Cello Concerto and Beethoven's 'Kreutzer' Sonata for cello quintet, moving beyond the standard Schubert Quintet.
Performer Biography
The Ying Quartet, the string quartet on this album, first gained prominence as resident quartet of Jesup, Iowa, a farm town of 2000 people, supported by a National Endowment for the Arts grant.
Compositional Technique
Schumann himself referred to his Cello Concerto as a 'Concert piece for cello with orchestral accompaniment,' highlighting the close relationship between soloist and orchestra, and its three interconnected movements.
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Souvenirs
Haydn: Pianoforte Concertos & Divertimentos by Ilse von Alpenheim
