NKB SP Selection No. 5, Great Player 3

Immerse yourself in the sublime sounds of classical music with Pablo Casals' latest release, NKB SP Selection No. 5, Great Player 3. This exquisite album, released on 25 August 2023 via NKB Record, is a masterclass in chamber music, showcasing the legendary cellist's technical prowess and emotional depth.

The album takes you on a journey through the works of renowned composers, including Haydn, Beethoven, and Franck. The Trio in G Major by Haydn is a highlight, with its three movements expertly woven together to create a sense of elegance and refinement. Beethoven's Seven Variations on a Theme from "The Magic Flute" is another standout, demonstrating the composer's innovative spirit and Casals' remarkable interpretive skills.

The Variations Symphoniques by Franck, comprising three movements - Allegro affettuoso, Intermezzo, and Allegro vivace - rounds out the album, showcasing the cellist's impressive range and expressiveness. With a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a significant addition to any classical music collection.

Pablo Casals' NKB SP Selection No. 5, Great Player 3 is a must-listen for fans of classical and chamber music, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that will leave you spellbound and inspired.

Pablo Casals, born Pau Casals i Defilló, was a Spanish and Puerto Rican cellist, composer, and conductor renowned for his profound musicality and humanitarian spirit. Born in Catalonia in 1876, Casals is celebrated for his groundbreaking recordings of Bach's Cello Suites, which set a benchmark for future cellists. His artistry extended beyond solo performances, encompassing chamber and orchestral music, and he was also a respected conductor. Casals' commitment to social causes was as notable as his musical prowess; he was known to say, "I am a man first, an artist second," reflecting his deep concern for the welfare of others. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963, Casals' legacy endures through his timeless recordings and his enduring influence on classical music. His cello arrangement, composed after leaving Spain in protest against Franco's dictatorship, became a signature piece in his concerts, embodying his artistic and political convictions. Thomas Mann once wrote of Casals, "For me his existence is a source of joy. He is one of those artists who come to the rescue of humanity's honour."