Ben-Haim, Bloch & Korngold: Cello Concertos
Raphael Wallfisch (cello)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Lukasz Borowicz
Whether these works qualify as concertos or not, and/or whether they were originally conceived for cello or some other instrument, they are all highly engaging music of expressive largesse and...
Ben-Haim, Bloch & Korngold: Cello Concertos
Raphael Wallfisch (cello)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Lukasz Borowicz
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Whether these works qualify as concertos or not, and/or whether they were originally conceived for cello or some other instrument, they are all highly engaging music of expressive largesse and...
About
Significant concertos by three great composers now join the rich and multifaceted repertoire of our new series featuring »Cello Concertos by Jewish Composers in Exile.« The Cello Concerto in three movements composed by Paul Ben-Haim for Richard Katz in 1962 employs virtuosic agility and the expressive flexibility of the solo instrument and exemplarily demonstrates how Ben-Haim was able to fit the stylistic elements characteristic of the Eastern Mediterranean into the structures provided by European forms. Ernest Bloch originally wrote his Symphony for Cello and Orchestra for trombone and orchestra. The enormous size of the orchestra contributes to the exotic panorama with tone colors reminiscent of Schelomo and the other six works of the »Jewish cycle« completed by him forty years earlier. Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Cello Concerto was originally composed for Deception, but some months after this film had premiered in the cinemas, he reworked the concerto, which in its concert hall version consists of one short movement and among other things a development section featuring fully refined counterpoint and heavy percussive effects.
Contents and tracklist
Awards and reviews
Jul/Aug 2020
Whether these works qualify as concertos or not, and/or whether they were originally conceived for cello or some other instrument, they are all highly engaging music of expressive largesse and communicative urgency. In Raphael Wallfisch, each of these pieces finds a passionate advocate who possesses the technical wherewithal and musical depth to persuade us of their enduring beauty. Strongly recommended.
January 2020
This latest release reveals yet more riches, and constitutes an excellent addition to this increasingly impressive series. Wallfisch's enthusiasm and commitment to these scores is exemplary.
February 2020
Wallfisch and the BBC NOW provide a carefully rehearsed and compelling rendition, with an evocative delivery