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Suite for Violoncello and String Orchestra (2004)

From the CD text: The suite for „Cello and String Orchestra“ is constructed quite traditionally, much like the piano concerto. Following the dark and dramatic cello concerto I wrote for Pi-Chin Chien in 1999, which she recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra London under the baton of David Zinman in 2001, she wished for me to compose something „lighter,“ „brighter“ for her as well, which I attempted with this suite in five movements. In early 2004, my wife was touring Europe as a soloist with the Academy of Taiwan Strings. She asked me if I would compose a piece for cello and strings for our acquaintance Karl-Werner Beisel´s birthday, not least to thank him for organizing one of the tour concerts in Germany. Thus, the „Barcarole“ was born, which became the encore for the entire European tour. Shortly after, my wife was invited by the Academy of Taiwan Strings to perform a concert in Taiwan. This prompted me to write four more movements around the Barcarole. The resulting suite as a whole premiered in May 2004 at the National Music Hall in Taipei. Since then, this piece has existed in various versions: for cello or viola with string orchestra or piano accompaniment. Originally a cellist myself, I incorporated many „cellistic“ elements into the five movements. Throughout its creation, the cello was constantly by my side. It was important to me that the joy of playing be present in this work. Thus, there are even hidden quotes from Feuillard´s „Daily Exercises,“ which accompanied us throughout our studies. Since my wife didn´t particularly enjoy such technical exercises back then and typically elegantly avoided them, fate now playfully catches up with her here.

Recordings

Pi-Chin Chien, Violoncello

Ruben Gazarian, Conductor

Zürcher Kammerorchester

Pi-Chin Chien, Violoncello

Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Ruben Gazarian

Ars Produktion - 38577 (P 2020)

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