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

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This is a superb set entitled “Lux Aeterna” which includes the Requiem, Duruflé’s Messe cum Jubilo, and a number of shorter  choral works by Poulenc. All are conducted by Peter Dijkstra.  Oh yes— The Gents invited some guest female voices to fill out the parts in the Requiem. This is wonderful music.

Even if you are not a fan of organ music, another very nice taste of Maurice Duruflé’s genius is the following recording “The Great Organ Works”:

Discovery is important to me. Along with finding an exciting new viewpoint of a favorite work, I really love discovering music and composers I haven’t heard before, or haven’t been able to get close to in the past.

What do you think of when you hear the name, Georges Enescu? The Romanian Rhapsodies? The opera Oedipe? Get ready for a surprise.

Hannu Lintu conducts the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra in Enescu’s Symphony No. 2 (1912-1914), and the Chamber Symphony (1954). The second symphony is quite Strauss-like (Richard)  in spots, but also reminds me of Korngold and even occasionally of Sibelius. The music is totally accessible and involving. The Chamber Symphony from 40 years later is just as accessible, but shows modern and neo-classical influences. I find both quite enjoyable— and I really don’t understand why they are not performed more often. Take a listen to the excerpts.

Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash

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