Zykan: Cello Concertos

Featuring

Heinrich Schiff
Leif Segerstam
Zubin Mehta
ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien
Wiener Philharmoniker
Otto M. Zykan

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Performer Biography

Heinrich Schiff, the cellist on this recording, was born to two composers and began playing the cello at age ten.

Recording & Production

The two live recordings on this disc were not originally planned for release, and efforts were made to eliminate flaws and audience noise from the 1982 recording.

Composition History

The first cello concerto, Violoncellokonzert, was commissioned by the Kulturamt der Stadt Wien and premiered in 1982 with Heinrich Schiff as soloist.

Composer Biography

Otto M. Zykan, the composer, was a member of the Vienna Boys' Choir for a year and later studied piano and composition at the Vienna Music Academy.

Composition History

Beethoven's Cello, the second work on this album, was premiered in December 2005 by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and was sponsored by Swarowski Kristallwelten.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Otto M. Zykan considered the cello one of his favorite instruments, combining characteristics of the double bass and vibraphone, and adding irony with its nearly endless range.