Giants of The Cello

This album is a journey on the shoulders of musical giants, both in the compositions and in the interpretations. Accompanied by the legendary conductor and pianist Christoph Eschenbach, Bohorquez delivers an extraordinary performance that is a treat for the ears and soul. With his exceptional skill and technique, he explores the depths of the cello's sound, bringing out the unique beauty and emotion of each piece. The album features Schumann's Adagio & Allegro op. 70, a powerful and expressive work that showcases Bohorquez's impeccable bowing and phrasing. The 2 Pieces for Cello and Piano by A. v. Webern are a masterclass in modernist composition, with Bohorquez and Eschenbach expertly navigating the intricate and complex melodies. Schubert's Sonata (Arpeggione) is a true gem of the cello repertoire and finally, O. Messiaen's Louange a l'Eternite de Jesus is a beautiful and moving work that showcases the cello's ability to convey deep spiritual emotions.

Hyperion's Romantic Cello Concerto series continues to bring new works to light, expanding a repertoire that has long focused on a select group of composers. Here, Alban Gerhardt performs the three concertos by Hans Pfitzner. Pfitzner's early Cello Concerto in a minor was scorned by his teachers (although liked by the composer himself). His Cello Concerto Op.42 is a beautifully constructed work that derives it's material from a lyrical cello solo heard at the very start of the work. The Cello Concerto Op.52 is dedicated to Ludwig Hoelscher, a pupil of two giants of German cello-playing: Hugo Becker and Julius Klengel. As a bonus, the recording also includes Pfitzner's Duo for violin, cello and small orchestra.

This recording represents the coming together of three giants: the immense Johann Sebastian Bach, the king of the piano Leopold Godowsky, and Stephen Paulello's sublime Opus 102 instrument.