The cello fantasy 'Malinconia' was composed by Sibelius in the aftermath of his youngest daughter Kirsti's death from a typhus epidemic in 1900.
Instruments
Torleif Thedéen, the cellist on this recording, plays an ex-Harrell Tecchler cello from 1711.
Critical Reception
Despite being composed by Sibelius, 'Malinconia' has been criticized by some, with Robert Layton calling it 'a very feeble piece' and Erik Tawaststjerna noting its 'endless, amateurish arpeggio passages'.
Performer Biography
Torleif Thedéen, the cellist on this album, won three prestigious cello competitions in 1985: the Hammer-Rostropovich prize, the Pablo Casals competition, and the EBU's Tribune for young interpreters.
Recording & Production
This CD features the first recording of Sibelius's original cello version of 'Devotion', based on the 'Rudnyev manuscript' which was returned to Finland in 1952.
Composer Biography
Jean Sibelius, the composer, had an older brother, Christian Sibelius, who was a cellist of considerable skill and for whom Jean composed numerous works.
Composition History
Many of Sibelius's early cello works were composed for immediate performance by friends and family, often specifically for his younger brother Christian Sibelius.
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