Cello Discoveries in DSD

To me there is no musical instrument that captures the range of human emotion as well as the cello. Here are three works for the cello featuring the outstanding young Nicolas Altstaedt, backed by Berlin’s other world-class orchestra, the Deutches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin conducted by the up and coming Michal Nesterowicz. Included are Cello Concertos by Shostakovich and Weinberg, and Lutoslawski’s Little Suite. Shostakovich’s mood swings are revealed here perfectly. His galloping rhythms show up in the first and final movements to remind us of his sardonic nature. Weinberg’s Cello Concerto is my real discovery on this album. Beautiful lines, hidden longings, huge emotions are all expressed so beautifully by Altstaedt. The opening adagio and the final portion of the closing allegro really pulled me in. And the recording quality is demonstration quality. Don’t miss this one.

I think most people probably consider Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B Minor to be one of the finest pieces ever written for the cello. Johannes Moser, with the PKF-Prague Philharmonia conducted by Jakob Hrusa, more than holds his own with the very best of past recordings. Dvorak expresses a wide range of emotions in his concerto, and Moser holds nothing back. Especially with this fine DSD recording, I can’t begin to tell you how impressed I am. Also included is Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D Minor– I confess I’d never heard it before. Moser and the band leave nothing behind. This is virtuoso playing.

For a change of pace– how about music written for the cello, transcribed for guitar! And not just any old cello music, but Bach’s exquisite six Suites for Cello. Take a moment to listen to the sample of that famous first Prelude. This is far more than just a novelty. To me the Cello Suites are certainly different on the guitar, but taken on their own, they are also exquisite. This is wonderful music. Bach can be meditative, relaxing, and inspirational. Petrit Çeku makes it just as true in these guitar transcriptions.

Want the originals? I very much recommend Volumes 1 and 2 of the Bach Cello Suites beautifully played by Joachim Eijlander, and beautifully captured as well. There are lots for recordings of these suites, but I don’t think I’ve often heard Bach shine through as much as with these recordings– superb in every way. When you have a performance of this quality, coupled with amazing recording quality, how can you lose?

Photo by Tanya Trofymchuk on Unsplash