GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => General Classical Music Discussion => Topic started by: snyprrr on February 27, 2009, 03:26:43 PM

Title: Solo Cello
Post by: snyprrr on February 27, 2009, 03:26:43 PM
BACH- 6 suites


KODALY- Sonata

HINDEMITH- Sonata

DALLAPICCOLA
KRENEK
SESSIONS
MARTINO

BERIO- Sequenza
XENAKIS- Nomos Alpha, Kottos
BA ZIMMERMAN- Sonata, 4 studies
"The Paul Sacher Dedications"-berio, halffter, lutoslawski, henze, etc.....
SCELSI- Triologia

I know there's tons of other good stuff out there.
anyone?
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: snyprrr on February 27, 2009, 03:31:00 PM
BRITTEN- 3 suites
BLOCH- 3 suites
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: PaulR on February 27, 2009, 03:36:29 PM
Weinberg-Solo Cello sonatas
B. Tchaikovsky-Suite for Solo Sonata
Tischenko-Sonata for Solo Cello #1 and #2
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: J on February 27, 2009, 03:52:05 PM
Quote from: snyprrr on February 27, 2009, 03:31:00 PM
BRITTEN- 3 suites
BLOCH- 3 suites

REGER- 3 suites
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: Maciek on February 27, 2009, 04:00:30 PM
I'm sure both Luke and Guido will attest that this list could have no end.

I think you might enjoy the Cellovator disc.

(http://www.dux.pl/upload/obrazki/okladki/0628.jpg) (http://www.dux.pl/catalogue/results/details/?pid=346)
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: some guy on February 27, 2009, 04:52:39 PM
If you admit electric cello, there's Jeffrey Krieger. Outlandishly good.
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: snyprrr on February 27, 2009, 04:54:48 PM
i appreciate "ring of fire" bringing up the russian front.

i agree...it doesn't take long to get a solo cello list to the "box set" limit. the only further dimension would be electronics, as in pieces by Saariaho and Reynolds.

matt haimovitz has the 3-cd box on DG. his most outre excursion is a jimi hendrix treatment of the star spangled banner i believe (a la kronos).

the music and arts label had a series called "cello america"......

ah, oh how i wish i could wail on a string instrument.
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: sul G on February 28, 2009, 12:59:34 AM
Quote from: Maciek on February 27, 2009, 04:00:30 PM
I'm sure both Luke and Guido will attest that this list could have no end.

Yes, I would.

But first things first, I'd add some more Scelsi to the single piece listed above...
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: ezodisy on February 28, 2009, 01:46:15 AM
Quote from: Ring of Fire on February 27, 2009, 03:36:29 PM
Tischenko-Sonata for Solo Cello #1 and #2

have you heard these?
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: pjme on February 28, 2009, 01:50:59 AM
(http://www.hbdirect.com/coverm/24/590824.jpg)


Bach, Johann Sebastian : Suite for Cello solo no 6 in D major, BWV 1012
György Kurtág (1926 - ) : Pilinszky János - Gérard de Nerval, Op. 5b
: Jelek, Op. 5b
: Az hit
: Arnyak
Halffter, Cristobal : Klagelied eines verwundeten Vogels
Vassiliev, Artem : Alter Ego
André Jolivet (1905 - 1974) : Suite en concert for Cello solo
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: Maciek on February 28, 2009, 03:31:22 AM
Forgot to mention the obligatory Krzysztof Meyer Sonata for solo cello op. 1. Written when he was 16. Excellent piece!
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: Maciek on February 28, 2009, 06:18:12 AM
Has anyone heard Peter Gregson's SPEM CD (http://www.petergregson.co.uk/spem/)? How is it?
Title: Re: SOLO CELLO
Post by: snyprrr on February 28, 2009, 02:34:55 PM
FRAINCAIX- Ghirarzana
                  etude-caprice pour un toimbeau de chopin

ok....fantasy:

SHOSTAKOVICH- 3 cello suites, op177-179

ooooo.....scary!!!

this IS fun!

oh, and chinary ung...let's not forget maya beiser
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Maciek on March 01, 2009, 03:04:32 AM
Another one I forgot is of course Szymanski's Gigue!!! The score used to be available online at the Lutoslawski Cello Competition site.
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: sul G on March 01, 2009, 03:07:37 AM
I've got it, if anyone wants it.
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: sul G on March 01, 2009, 03:09:25 AM
Have the Ligeti and Crumb sonatas not been mentioned?
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Maciek on March 01, 2009, 03:19:44 AM
Wow, Luke! Quick reaction! :o :o :o

(Have you ever tried playing it? I wish someone would record it...)

[EDIT: just downloaded and had a look through it (couldn't find mine) and wow! is it insane! really, really love it!]
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Guido on March 01, 2009, 06:38:24 AM
There's a set of twelve pieces - variations on the name of (e)SACHER(é) which was commisioned for Sacher's 70th(?) birthday - 12 of the leading composers of the day all contributed a piece, with Britten contributing the theme. The best are Lutoslawski's contribution, Boulez' contribution for solo cellist and six cellists, and finest of all Dutilleux's Trois Strophes sur le nom de Sacher. For me, the Dutilleux Trois Strophes, Kodaly Solo Sonata and Britten Suites represent the absolute pinnacle of solo cello writing in the 20th century.

Other works which are extremely fine which have already been mentioned are the solo sonatas of Ligeti and Crumb, Xenakis' Kottos and and Nomos Alpha, Bloch's late Solo Cello Suites, Hindemith's solo sonata, and a few others...

This CD is the best CD of solo cello music I have ever heard (and I have a fairly good handle on what is available in this repertoire). The review is mine:


(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PY2T2Q5GL._SS500_.jpg)http://www.amazon.co.uk/Emmanuelle-Bertrand-Works-for-Cello/dp/B00004T6W0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1235921755&sr=8-7

Her recording of the Bloch Solo Suites is also just superb:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41KCMWZD7NL._SS500_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ernest-Bloch-Suites-pour-violoncelle/dp/B0000DYMUC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1235921865&sr=8-8
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Archaic Torso of Apollo on March 01, 2009, 11:53:30 PM
Penderecki's Divertimento for Solo Cello. Available on the same Naxos disc as his Sextet and Clarinet Quartet
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Maciek on March 02, 2009, 01:02:17 AM
Quote from: Guido on March 01, 2009, 06:38:24 AM
This CD is the best CD of solo cello music I have ever heard (and I have a fairly good handle on what is available in this repertoire). The review is mine:

I've had that on my wishlist for a while. I guess I'll nudge it up a bit...
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Guido on March 02, 2009, 08:35:46 AM
Quote from: Spitvalve on March 01, 2009, 11:53:30 PM
Penderecki's Divertimento for Solo Cello. Available on the same Naxos disc as his Sextet and Clarinet Quartet

Is it any good?
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Lethevich on March 02, 2009, 09:48:21 AM
I'll add both these in here, to save two posts. This disc (http://www.amazon.com/Schnittke-Chamber-Music-Alexander-Ivashkin/dp/B00004YYQV) contains the following Schnittke pieces:

Sounding Letters/Klingende Buchstaben (cello solo)
Fugue (violin solo)

Both are rather insubstantial, but fun extras when coupled with the more important works.
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Bruckner is God on March 02, 2009, 05:10:44 PM
The Ligeti sonata is a remarkable piece.


Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Archaic Torso of Apollo on March 03, 2009, 12:49:16 AM
Quote from: Guido on March 02, 2009, 08:35:46 AM
Is it any good?

Yes, but not quite as good as the two other pieces I mentioned. That whole disc is one of the best Penderecki CDs around.
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Guido on March 03, 2009, 02:25:13 AM
Quote from: Maciek on March 02, 2009, 01:02:17 AM
I've had that on my wishlist for a while. I guess I'll nudge it up a bit...

Oh yes do! It's cheap too.  8)
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: snyprrr on March 05, 2009, 10:27:08 PM
thanks to everyone for making this such an exciting topic, and filling in those pesky gaps. i wish we could collate all these repertiore threads for master reference.

i am very eager to hear the Bloch suites now... and Tishenko.

there's a funny little video on utube of turovsky playing Kodaly.
and i think you can find the Sciarrino solo piece as well.

thanks again!
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Maciek on April 27, 2009, 02:37:15 AM
Quote from: Guido on March 02, 2009, 08:35:46 AM
Is it any good?

You can actually download a free recording. Check out the Szymanski thread for details.
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: George on April 27, 2009, 02:46:29 AM
Quote from: sul G on March 01, 2009, 03:09:25 AM
Have the Ligeti and Crumb sonatas not been mentioned?

I must get the Ligeti! I love the SQ!
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Maciek on April 27, 2009, 06:48:18 AM
Quote from: Maciek on April 27, 2009, 02:37:15 AM
You can actually download a free recording.

Forgot to mention: As well as the Penderecki Divertimento, the same source offers three other solo cello pieces (by Andrzej Bauer, Eugeniusz Knapik, Pawel Szymanski). And three solo cello scores (Slawomir Kupczak, Andrzej Bauer, Pawel Szymanski). And three recordings of pieces for cello and piano (by Eugeniusz Knapik, Marta Ptaszynska, Jerzy Bauer)
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: istanbul on May 22, 2009, 06:14:29 AM
Philip Glass- Songs and Poems for solo cello
(if you like minimalist composers).
&
George Crumb – Sonate

Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: snyprrr on May 22, 2009, 03:16:44 PM
I JUST got back from the library where I was confronted with the Philip Glass. I was like...huh. I can't say I checked it out. Glass on solo cello? Deep sigh. Move over Bach, I'm sure. ok, I'll stop.
I do thank you for posting, though. :)
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Antoine Marchand on May 23, 2009, 07:02:18 PM
Alfredo Piatti (1822-1901):

- Capriccio sopra un tema della "Niobe" di Pacini Op. 22

- 12 Capricci per violoncello solo Op. 25

Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Coopmv on May 24, 2009, 01:10:18 PM
This is an excellent set and is part of my collection ...

Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Coopmv on May 28, 2009, 07:04:22 PM
Here is another special Bach's Cello Suites by Casal.  I believe the LP is more of a collectible than the CD.


Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: George on May 28, 2009, 07:05:36 PM
Quote from: Coopmv on May 28, 2009, 07:04:22 PM
Here is another special Bach's Cello Suites by Casal.  I believe the LP is more of a collectible than the CD.

What label is it on? He only recorded the set once, right?
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Coopmv on May 28, 2009, 07:39:43 PM
Quote from: George on May 28, 2009, 07:05:36 PM
What label is it on? He only recorded the set once, right?

Just pulled the Casal's Bach LP-set off the shelf and took a look.  It was issued by Dacapo (MDT is having sales on this label) according to the booklet enclosed but on the bottom of the same booklet page, it also says EMI Electrola - very confusing.  Was Dacapo an EMI company at some point?

I do not know if Casal had recorded Bach's Cello Suites more than once ...
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: snyprrr on May 28, 2009, 09:07:11 PM
Can I subvert this thread to a "Bach Cello Suites" for a few days? Should I change the title, or is there already a thread for this?

Either way... everyone... top 5 B.C.S. recordings??? I think all I've heard is Ma (first Sony) and Slava/EMI, so I have no basis. Be sure to tell us whhhy!
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Coopmv on May 29, 2009, 05:35:53 PM
I have the versions by Pablo Casals (LP), Mstislav Rostropovich, Janos Starker and Heinrich Schiff.  Yo Yo Ma's version is overly romantic and I do not like Bach's works over-romanticized ...
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Coopmv on May 30, 2009, 06:54:39 AM
I heard that this Starker's Bach Cello Suites SACD is actually not as good as the RCA redbook version (see second photo).  I have the redbook version but not the SACD version.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Zlp6jVkPL._SS500_.jpg)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4104AJ7MNYL._SS400_.jpg)
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: snyprrr on March 05, 2011, 08:50:48 PM
XENAKIS Kottos: Live with Rohan De Saram

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKDIQSyR4G0
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: FideLeo on March 06, 2011, 03:06:04 AM
Joseph-Marie-Clement Dall'Abaco
11 Capricen
Kirstin von der Goltz

[asin]B000HSOTY8[/asin]
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: not edward on March 06, 2011, 08:47:50 AM
I think the Kodaly sonata on here is the most spectacular solo 'cello performance I've heard (even over de Saram's Xenakis):

[asin]B0000006U7[/asin]
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Maciek on April 15, 2011, 02:23:31 AM
Got an e-mail from Harmonia Mundi today ( ??? ??? guess one of you guys must have given them my address...) announcing a new Emmanuelle Bertrand CD (http://www.harmoniamundi.com/#/albums?id=1639) (or actually: CD+DVD combo)! WOW!

[asin]B004FGQZYK[/asin]

(The amazon UK site lists it as released over two weeks ago, but amazon COM, says it was released 3 days ago, hmmm...?)

Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: torut on April 11, 2014, 05:32:00 PM
This is very good. (I think this has not been mentioned.)

Arne Deforce / Jonathan Harvey - Advaya
[asin]B00081QCY4[/asin]
Curve With Plateau for Cello Solo
Limen for Cello Solo
Advaya for Cello And Electronics
Riti for Cello Solo
Info at megadisc (http://www.megadisc-classics.com/album/advaya)

'Advaya' for cello and electronics by Jonathan Harvey (1994)
played by Gabriel Prynn
https://www.youtube.com/v/9oUSgXGbuHU
(This is from another disc (http://www.amazon.com/Piano-Trio-Flight-Elegy-Advaya/dp/B00005R87T/).)
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: torut on April 13, 2014, 12:50:13 PM
Wolfgang von Schweinitz - Plainsound-Litany für Violoncello solo, op. 46 a (2004)
Ashley Walters (cello)

https://www.youtube.com/v/FoJMlw9nyfo

The score can be downloaded from here (http://www.plainsound.org/pdfs/Plainsound-Litany.pdf).

I also highly recommend Plainsound Glissando Modulation (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KUZBSE) (violin+bass).
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: snyprrr on April 14, 2014, 07:35:04 AM
I got '400 Years of Italian Music' (I think that's it)- a very nice recital, including the Sciarrino piece, and Dallapiccola.

btw- torut- great stuff!!
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: North Star on April 14, 2014, 08:05:35 AM
Quote from: snyprrr on April 14, 2014, 07:35:04 AM
I got '400 Years of Italian Music' (I think that's it)- a very nice recital, including the Sciarrino piece, and Dallapiccola.

btw- torut- great stuff!!
You must mean this one from Sonia Wieder-Atherton & co.:
[asin]B004HQGZGG[/asin]
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: snyprrr on April 15, 2014, 08:22:35 AM
Quote from: North Star on April 14, 2014, 08:05:35 AM
You must mean this one from Sonia Wieder-Atherton & co.:
[asin]B004HQGZGG[/asin]

No- two almost identical cds came out around the same time. I thought mine was Haimovitz? It's cross-referenced in 'Sciarrino' in the Amazon. '400 Years of Italian bla bla', but definitely '400 Years cello' should get you there, or 'cello sciarrino'.

How about that Haimovitz DG 3cd Box? eh ;)

Also, I saw a Truls Mork Kodaly Sonata somewhere, sounds interesting.

My current cello cd of choice is the Arne Deforce Xenakis disc on Aeon.
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: North Star on April 15, 2014, 09:15:33 AM
This isn't all solo cello, but close enough
[asin]B004IXP5YQ[/asin]
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: snyprrr on April 15, 2014, 04:29:44 PM
Quote from: North Star on April 15, 2014, 09:15:33 AM
This isn't all solo cello, but close enough
[asin]B004IXP5YQ[/asin]

The Veress pops up quite a bit.
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on April 18, 2014, 03:41:28 PM
Quote from: edward on March 06, 2011, 08:47:50 AM
I think the Kodaly sonata on here is the most spectacular solo 'cello performance I've heard (even over de Saram's Xenakis):

[asin]B0000006U7[/asin]

This is great, but not the once-in-a-lifetime performance that he made on the Period label in the early 50s. I would say that one is probably the greatest single recording of anything I have ever heard.
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on April 18, 2014, 03:44:05 PM
Buy this. This is freakin' amazing--Ernst Reijseger's soundtrack to the Werner Herzog documentary Cave of Forgotten Dreams

(http://www.mediamondo.ch/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/e/r/ernst_reijseger_-_cave_of_forgotten_dreams.jpg)


(Not strictly solo in many tracks)
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on April 18, 2014, 06:19:15 PM
This will blow your mind. Start at 1:30 if the opening is a bit slow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIMvM8u9C-o
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: torut on April 18, 2014, 10:43:34 PM
Quote from: snyprrr on April 15, 2014, 08:22:35 AM
No- two almost identical cds came out around the same time. I thought mine was Haimovitz? It's cross-referenced in 'Sciarrino' in the Amazon. '400 Years of Italian bla bla', but definitely '400 Years cello' should get you there, or 'cello sciarrino'.

How about that Haimovitz DG 3cd Box? eh ;)

Also, I saw a Truls Mork Kodaly Sonata somewhere, sounds interesting.

My current cello cd of choice is the Arne Deforce Xenakis disc on Aeon.
Do you mean this: 300 Years of an Italian Cello? (There were no cellos 400 years ago, right?) It looks interesting: a collection of cello work by Domenico Gabrielli, Berio, Dallapiccola, Cherney, Sciarrino, Ambrosini... but there are no notable Italian cello compositions in 18th & 19th centuries? (Gabrielli:17th century; others: 20th century) ;D Is Gabrielli's work good?
[asin]B004FZAYGQ[/asin]
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Philo on April 18, 2014, 10:49:29 PM
Perhaps the greatest solo cell piece is missing from this thread.

Liza Lim's Invisibility:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuvQwCuJDpY
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: torut on April 19, 2014, 03:31:41 PM
Quote from: Philo on April 18, 2014, 10:49:29 PM
Perhaps the greatest solo cell piece is missing from this thread.

Liza Lim's Invisibility:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuvQwCuJDpY
That is great, though I don't like the camerawork. It is a pity, because the usage of the bow(s) is interesting.

So, it seems that Liza Lim is the final answer to solo cello and solo viola ;D, how about violin and bass? There is one piece for solo violin, but no solo contrabass work?
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: not edward on April 19, 2014, 05:06:53 PM
Quote from: XB-70 Valkyrie on April 18, 2014, 03:41:28 PM
This is great, but not the once-in-a-lifetime performance that he made on the Period label in the early 50s. I would say that one is probably the greatest single recording of anything I have ever heard.
Is that one available these days?
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Philo on April 19, 2014, 09:17:15 PM
Quote from: torut on April 19, 2014, 03:31:41 PM
That is great, though I don't like the camerawork. It is a pity, because the usage of the bow(s) is interesting.

So, it seems that Liza Lim is the final answer to solo cello and solo viola ;D, how about violin and bass? There is one piece for solo violin, but no solo contrabass work?

True enough. She is very young though, so there's still hope.  8)
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: king ubu on May 28, 2014, 01:43:34 AM
Quote from: Guido on March 01, 2009, 06:38:24 AM
This CD is the best CD of solo cello music I have ever heard (and I have a fairly good handle on what is available in this repertoire). The review is mine:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PY2T2Q5GL._SS500_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Emmanuelle-Bertrand-Works-for-Cello/dp/B00004T6W0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1235921755&sr=8-7

This looks mighty good - and it seems to be reissued shortly!
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Rinaldo on September 14, 2015, 01:16:10 PM
Quote from: Philo on April 18, 2014, 10:49:29 PMPerhaps the greatest solo cell piece is missing from this thread.

Liza Lim's Invisibility

Truly something!

https://www.youtube.com/v/v9ZLvZJlv_s

I have a soft spot for David Darling's Cello and Dark Wood.

https://www.youtube.com/v/h_KqYI8G2Vc

His other new age-y output, not so much.
Title: Re: Solo Cello
Post by: Mandryka on September 14, 2015, 10:31:57 PM
Alex Ross's comment on Invisibility is really interesting from the point of view of the listener

Quote from: http://magazine.amati.com/149-comment/comment-contemporary-strings-1-liza-lims-invisibility.html. . . there is something more intimate and complex [than shimmering sounds]going on, related to the mechanics of playing the piece . . .

Exactly how this [uncomfortableness due to playing with a novel scodatura, and a special sort of bow]  feels is known only to the performer

Beyond a sort of generalised tension, it's hard to say how much of this [? not totally clear what the this is referring to] comes across to the listener, perhaps, but this is not the point. Lim is interested here in constructing between her and her performer something of the private, powerful structure of hidden knowledge that underpins Yolngu society. In the cello, with its particular combination of playing techniques and robust sound, she has found a perfect vehicle. [my emphasis]