2 Cellos

In this program, Tutti Bassi explores the rich and varied repertoire for baroque cello by sampling works from across 18th century Europe. With them, we will visit the forests of Germany, the elegant palaces of France, sunny Italy, and foggy London Town, to hear the fascinating differences and similarities of these works, and to appreciate the variety within them. Colleen McGary-Smith & Sarah Freiberg, cellos. Tutti Bassi formed in 2012. Their inaugural concert, presented at the Belmont Public Library, was made possible by the Belmont Cultural Council. Since then, they have performed throughout New England, at library concert series, retirement communities and churches-perfect venues for their intimate, informative performances.

The emergence of the cello as a solo instrument at the beginning of the 19th century encouraged composers to explore its melodic and sonorous potential, with compositions for two or more cellos becoming increasingly popular. Bernhard Romberg and Anton Kraft both had personal connections to Beethoven – their works offer inventive timbres, intimacy and substantial virtuosity. The world premiere recording of the sparkling Concertino by Kraft’s son Nikolaus completes an album of unique gems, influenced by Beethoven and Haydn, which helped to usher in the golden age of the cello.