Album insights
Introducing two composers who looked to the past and one who gazed into the future, these three cello concertos emerged within five years around the turn of the 20th century. All three pieces consist of one movement. A common thread between the works of Erno´´ Dohnányi, Eugen d’Albert, and the cellist Hugo Becker, born in Strasbourg, is notable. Becker, a sought-after teacher, had compositions tailored for him by Dohnányi and d’Albert, from the presently released concertos. Becker, an esteemed chamber musician, played key roles alongside prominent figures like Busoni, Ysaÿe, Dohnányi, among others, paving the way for musically gifted generations.
Erno´´ Dohnányi, later known as Ernst von Dohnányi, showcased his extraordinary musicality from a young age, rising as a leading pianist in the global concert scene. His compositional journey intertwined with his interpretative performances, illuminating a blend of classical and romantic influences. Dohnányi's op. 12 Concert Piece in D major from 1903–04 exemplifies his adeptness in crafting a seamless, single-movement structure hinting at symphonic elements. Born into a musical family, Dohnányi's concerto resonates with emotive nuances akin to Mahler's era, yet echoing a distinct stylistic charm shaped by Brahmsian aesthetics.
George Enescu, an innovator, displayed his musical prowess early on through a series of sophisticated works, with the impressive Symphonie concertante serving as a prime example. Enescu's rich musical journey, starting at a tender age of five, led to unparalleled creative outputs. This symphony, crafted with intricate symphonic textures and distinctive themes, reflects Enescu's deep understanding of orchestration and profound knowledge of the cello's capabilities, demonstrating his virtuosic flair.
Reflecting on the life of Eugen d’Albert, his background was as unique as his musical endeavors. Born in Glasgow in 1864, d’Albert's lineage included notable composers, shaping his artistic pursuits early on. Revered as an influential pianist and composer, d’Albert's Cello Concerto in C major op. 20 stands out for its unconventional orchestral interplay and captivating themes, with the oboe leading the melodic discourse, sparking riveting dialogues with the soulful cello passages. Cascading into tranquil and expressive movements, d’Albert's concerto encapsulates a range of emotions, concluding with an invigorating Allegro vivace segment, boasting toccata-like sequences and vibrant orchestral dynamics.