Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of chamber music with Christoph Henkel and his ensemble of four cellists. Released in 1989 under the Bayer Records label, "4 Cellists" is a captivating collection of 16 tracks that span a total of 55 minutes. This album showcases the intricate harmonies and dynamic range that can be achieved with four cellos, arranged from works originally composed for various other ensembles.
Christoph Henkel, a prize winner in the 1989 Mendelssohn Competition in Berlin, leads the ensemble with fellow cellists Otmar Zwiebelhofer, Morten Zeuthen, and Martin Ostertag. Together, they bring a unique blend of technical prowess and expressive depth to each piece, from the lively "Allegro moderato" to the soothing "Larghetto non troppo." The album features arrangements of works by renowned composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach and Olivier Greif, offering a fresh perspective on classical pieces.
The album's tracklist is a journey through various moods and tempos, starting with the energetic "Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op. 40 No. 3" and culminating in the vibrant "Concert-Walzer, Op. 31." Each track is meticulously performed, highlighting the ensemble's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and musical nuances. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "4 Cellists" offers a compelling exploration of the cello's versatility and the beauty of chamber music.
1989 Rudolf Bayer1989 Rudolf Bayer
Tracks
Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op. 40 No. 3 (Arr. for 4 Cellos by Anonymous): I. Allegro moderatoFranz Danzi, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op. 40 No. 3 (Arr. for 4 Cellos by Anonymous): II. Larghetto non troppoFranz Danzi, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op. 40 No. 3 (Arr. for 4 Cellos by Anonymous): III. AllegrettoFranz Danzi, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
2 Movements for Cello Quartet, Op. 89: I. Adagio cantabileAlexandre Tansman, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
2 Movements for Cello Quartet, Op. 89: II. Allegro molto risolutoAlexandre Tansman, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Partita für 4 Violoncelli: I. Allegro moderatoWolfgang Hofmann, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Partita für 4 Violoncelli: II. VivaceWolfgang Hofmann, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Partita für 4 Violoncelli: III. Molto adagioWolfgang Hofmann, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Partita für 4 Violoncelli: IV. AllegrettoWolfgang Hofmann, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Partita für 4 Violoncelli: V. PrestoWolfgang Hofmann, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Fragment lyrique for 4 Cellos in A Minor, Op. 1aAlexandre Kreijn, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Harmonies des bois, Op. 76: No. 1, Le Soir – Rêverie (Arr. for 4 Cellos by Anonymous)Jacques Offenbach, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Chants du crépuscule, Op. 29: V. L'Adieu (Arr. for 4 Cellos by Anonymous)Jacques Offenbach, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Chants du crépuscule, Op. 29: I. Souvenir de Val (Arr. for 4 Cellos by Anonymous)Jacques Offenbach, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Chants du crépuscule, Op. 29: II. Sérénade (Arr. for 4 Cellos by Anonymous)Jacques Offenbach, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer
Concert-Walzer, Op. 31 (Version for 4 Cellos)Wilhelm Fitzenhagen, Christoph Henkel, Martin Ostertag, Morten Zeuthen, Otmar Zwiebelhofer