Steven Isserlis, the renowned British cellist, presents a captivating exploration of Russian romanticism with his latest album, a collection of enchanting cello works by Tchaikovsky, Glazunov, Cui, and Rimsky-Korsakov. Recorded with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe under the baton of John Eliot Gardiner, this album is a testament to Isserlis' profound musicality and his deep affinity for the romantic repertoire.
The centerpiece of the album is Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, a work that showcases the composer's lyrical genius and Isserlis' technical virtuosity. The album also features Tchaikovsky's Andante cantabile, a poignant arrangement of the slow movement from his String Quartet No. 1, and the Pezzo capriccioso, a brilliant display of the composer's melodic invention and Isserlis' interpretive prowess. In addition to Tchaikovsky's works, the album includes a selection of pieces by Glazunov, Cui, and Rimsky-Korsakov, each one a gem of Russian romanticism, beautifully performed by Isserlis and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.
With a duration of over an hour, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, from the lyrical elegance of Glazunov's Mélodie to the fiery passion of Cui's Scherzando. Isserlis' playing is characterized by its warmth, expressiveness, and technical brilliance, making this album a delight for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The album was released on February 10, 2023, by Warner Classics, and is a testament to Steven Isserlis' enduring appeal as one of the world's leading cellists.
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Introduction. Moderato quasi andantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Theme. Moderato semplicePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Variation I. Tempo del temaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Variation II. Tempo del temaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Variation III. Andande sostenutoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Variation IV. Andante graziosoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Variation V. Allegro moderatoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Variation VI. AndantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Variation VII. Andante sostenutoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Variation VIII and Coda. Allegro moderato con animaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Glazunov: 2 Pieces for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 20: No. 1, MélodieAlexander Glazunov, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Glazunov: 2 Pieces for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 20: No. 2, Sérénade espagnoleAlexander Glazunov, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: 6 Pieces, Op. 19: No. 4, Nocturne (Version for Cello and Orchestra)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Rimsky-Korsakov: Serenade for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 37Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Andante cantabile for Cello and Orchestra (After String Quartet No. 1, Op. 11)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Cui: 2 Pieces for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 36: No. 1, ScherzandoCésar Cui, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Cui: 2 Pieces for Cello and Orchestra Op. 36: No. 2, CantabileCésar Cui, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Tchaikovsky: Pezzo capriccioso, Op. 62Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Glazunov: Chant du ménestrel, Op. 71 (Orchestral Version)Alexander Glazunov, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, John Eliot Gardiner
Steven Isserlis is a celebrated British cellist renowned for his profound musicianship and technical brilliance. With a career that spans solo performances, chamber music, education, writing, and broadcasting, Isserlis is a versatile artist who captivates audiences worldwide. His distinctive sound, achieved through the use of gut strings, and his diverse repertoire set him apart in the classical music scene. Beyond his musical prowess, Isserlis is known for his engaging personality, his love for Indian cuisine, and his appreciation for the humor of the Marx Brothers. His global reputation is a testament to his unique approach to music and life, making him a beloved figure among classical music enthusiasts.
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Steven Isserlis
