Casals Encores
Alban Gerhardt / Cecile Licad
CDA 67831 - 0034571178318
This sensational new release from German cellist Alban Gerhardt recaptures the novelty of the much-loved encores performed by Pablo Casals. Spanish-born Casals was universally recognized as one of the world’s greatest cellists and had a vast repertoire of intimate encores which were adored by his audiences. The disc features transcriptions of works by many notable composers including Fauré, Chopin, Saint-Saëns, Boccherini and Wagner. Also featured are frequently performed musical gems by David Popper: Vito, Chanson villageoise and his Mazurka in G minor, pieces which have gained a special place in the cello literature.
Gerhardt performs these miniature masterworks with extraordinary finesse and verve. His very personal interpretations never lapse into self-indulgence and he projects a distinctive luminescence of tone with infallible intonation. Gerhardt is intelligently partnered and perfectly matched by pianist Cecile Licad on her Hyperion debut. This unique disc demonstrates sublime musicianship, with both performers revelling in a wide expressive scope from the vivacious to the lyrical.
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1Chanson villageoise, Op. 62 No. 202:33
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2Petite suite: III. Menuet02:56
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3Berceuse de Jocelyn05:22
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4Serenata napoletana, Op. 24 No. 203:04
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5Mit deinen blauen Augen02:27
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6Nocturne in E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 204:14
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7Après un rêve, Op. 7 No. 103:16
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8Mazurka in G Minor, Op. 11 No. 303:24
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9Tannhäuser: Transcription. To the Evening Star05:01
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10Spanish Dances, Op. 54: V. Vito03:59
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11Salut d'amour, Op. 1203:01
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12Sonata in a Major, G. 4: I. Allegro moderato04:26
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13Siete Canciones populares españolas: V. Nana02:13
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14Romanze, Op. 3503:41
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15Danzas españolas, Op. 37: V. Andaluza03:14
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16Chanson Louis XIII and Pavane04:00
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17Twenty-Four Preludes, Op. 28: No 15 in D flat major. Sostenuto 'Raindrop'06:31
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18Le carnaval des animaux: XIII. Le cygne03:27
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19Allegro appassionato, Op. 4303:18
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20The Song of the Birds02:32