When one thinks of the solo cello repertoire, the six suites of J.S. Bach and the sonata of Zoltán Kodály immediately come to mind, and with some head scratching, perhaps also the etudes of David Popper, but probably little else. So it might surprise some listeners to learn that an impressive body of work for unaccompanied cello has emerged from Denmark since the middle of the twentieth century, and that Danish composers and cellists have collaborated with the purpose of exploring this instrument's technical possibilities ...
Read More
When one thinks of the solo cello repertoire, the six suites of J.S. Bach and the sonata of Zoltán Kodály immediately come to mind, and with some head scratching, perhaps also the etudes of David Popper, but probably little else. So it might surprise some listeners to learn that an impressive body of work for unaccompanied cello has emerged from Denmark since the middle of the twentieth century, and that Danish composers and cellists have collaborated with the purpose of exploring this instrument's technical possibilities and expanding its literature. Morten Zeuthen's 2005 release on DaCapo is an intriguing collection of significant works by such familiar masters as Vagn Holmboe and Per Nřrgĺrd, and the rising generation of Danish composers, including Poul Ruders, Karl Aage Rasmussen, Andy Pape, Niels Rosing-Schow, Svend Nielsen, and Hans Abrahamsen. Zeuthen's strong but subtle performances provide the best reason to hear this disc, and his solid execution, nuanced expression, meticulous effects, and...
Read Less
