SKU: HL.48186482

Reynaldo Hahn: Works for cello and piano [AL 30 749] For quite some time, posterity remembered Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947) for just a handful of songs and the operetta Ciboulette, overlooking the incredible diversity of a catalogue as eclectic as it is appealing. Yet his chamber music contains many little-known treasures: thus, cellist Steven Isserlis, in his preface, hastens to hail the first modern edition of these two scores, which he regularly plays in recital, so much does their beauty enchant the audience. Published in 1911, the Two Improvisations on Irish Airs for cello and piano turn out to be the transcription of his first and third Preludes for piano four hands (1894). These folk themes come from the collection Songs of Old Ireland, published 12 years earlier by Charles Villiers Stanford: gracefully and tenderly, The Little Red Lark unfurls a melancholic tune of which the regular foundation respects the breadth of phrase typical of folk songs; in The Willow-Tree, the lover begs his beloved in vain to take him in her arms one last time before he lies down, lifeless, in the shade of the tree. Beyond this sensitive exploration of the Irish soul, Hahn offers us a journey into the past: the Variations chantantes sur un air ancien develop a theme borrowed from Cavalli?s opera Xerse. In this aria (1660 version: Act IV, sc. 6), Ambassador Periarco dreams of moving away from court intrigues to be able to taste the pleasures ?to which the gods have destined him?. Reynaldo Hahn?s variations succeed in maintaining the sweet simplicity of this theme, as noble as it is refined. Let us wager that this publication will delight cellists and pianists alike: it contains some nuggets. Deux improvisations sur des airs irlandais (The Little Red Lark, The Willow-Tree) Variations chantantes sur un air ancien.

SKU: HL.48180232

UPC: 888680795016. 9.0x12.0x0.04 inches.

As a prestigious composer of the late 18th century, Luigi Boccherini's (1743-1805) Rondo, transcribed for the cello by Paul Bazelaire, contains many features which continue to make the composer's music popular and loved to this day. Known for his courtly, gallant style, Rondo, originally composed for violin and harpsichord, clearly exemplifies these qualities through the 2/4 time signature, flourishing cello lines and evocative, chordal and rhythmic Piano accompaniment. Moreover, syncopation rhythms and ornamentation heard throughout the piece create further excitement. All of these musical elements combine to create a highly enjoyable piece for the cello repertoire. In addition, the clear print of separate cello and piano parts in this edition of Rondo add to this irresistable purchase for budding cellists.

SKU: HL.50606503

ISBN 9781705190661. UPC: 196288126799.

A special piece - a special story: In 2020, a renowned architect approached a composer to create a new piece of music for his daughter's wedding, which the happy father could give to the young couple as a wedding present. In earlier eras of private patronage, such a story would have been natural, but in the 21st century it is an odd story. The composition subtly alludes to the occasion: against the background of the piano, a duet of two instruments tells the story of a serene love (the piece can either be performed with a bassoon and a violoncello, or with two violoncellos). Mate Bella, who moves at home among different musical styles, shapes the song of lovers longing for each other in a way reminiscent of barcarolas sung by Venetian gondoliers.