STEVEN ISSERLIS; STEVEN ISSERLIS; CONNIE SHIH - Cello in Wartime - Import SACD Hybrid

Credits:

STEVEN ISSERLIS; STEVEN ISSERLIS; CONNIE SHIH

Description:

Also performed on the trench cello played on the battlefield by British Army soldiers. Isserlis performs wartime cello works with tasteful tone on this SACD hybrid disc. Stephen Isserlis has been releasing an album with a different theme each time. This time he releases "Wartime Cello Music," a sequel to "In the Shadow of War" (BIS SA 1992). While "In the Shadow of War" was a collection of concerto works, this time Isserlis has collected chamber works. This release also includes works from different compositional periods, but all of them are set against the backdrop of the world wars. Notably, "The Swan," "Jerusalem," "Keep the Home Fires Burning," and "God Save the King" were recorded using the trench cello, which was played by British Army soldiers on the battlefields during World War I. The instrument was used by the British Army during the war. The instrument was built by an amateur cellist serving in the British Army, using an ammunition box as the body so that the bow and other items could be stored inside the box when being carried around (a photo of the instrument can be found in the booklet). Isserlis has been interested in the trench cello for some time, and he has played it with all his heart, valuing the instrument's haunting tone.An interesting album of wartime reminiscences by Isserlis. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Sonata for Cello and Piano, L. 144: I. Prologue. Lent, sostenuto e molto risoluto
2.Sonata for Cello and Piano, L. 144: II. Serenade. Moderement anime
3.Sonata for Cello and Piano, L. 144: III. Finale. Anime, leger et nerveux
4.Sonata for Cello and Piano, H. 125: I. Allegro ben moderato
5.Sonata for Cello and Piano, H. 125: II. Adagio non troppo - Molto allegro agitato - Tempo I
6.Sonata No. 1 in D Minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 109: I. Allegro
7.Sonata No. 1 in D Minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 109: II. Andante
8.Sonata No. 1 in D Minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 109: III. Final. Allegro comodo
9.Drei Kleine Stucke, Op. 11: I. Mabige achtel
10.Drei Kleine Stucke, Op. 11: II. Sehr bewegt
11.Drei Kleine Stucke, Op. 11: III. Auberst ruhig
12.The Swan (from The Carnival of the Animals)
13.Jerusalem
14.Keep the Home-Fires Burning
15.God Save the King