Folklore / Musique pour violoncelle & piano 19ème & 20ème siècles

Description

Folklore takes the listener on a musical journey through 19th and 20th century France, Georgia, Hungary, and Spain. Through various styles and soundscapes, the compositions are united by the spirit of folk traditions and national character, as well as by the personal memories of the performers – Swiss-French cellist Christoph Croisé and Georgian pianist Ana Bakradze. Works originally conceived for their instrumental combination sit alongside transcriptions that fit perfectly into their sound universe, reflecting the popularity of all the music on this album. Siete Canciones populares Españolas, a set of seven traditional Spanish songs by Manuel de Falla, is his most arranged composition and one of the most popular. Béla Bartók's Six Romanian Folk Dances, originally composed for solo piano, were drawn from melodies that the composer recorded from folk musicians singing in the countryside of his homeland. Hungarian influences permeate Pablo de Sarasate's Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), originally written for violin and orchestra. Sulkhan Tsintsadze's Five Pieces on Georgian Folk Themes evoke childhood memories for pianist Ana, particularly the fourth, a lullaby that her mother used to sing to her. The most significant work on the album, Robert Schumann's Fünf Stücke im Volkston (Five Pieces in Folk Style), evokes the harmonies and rhythms of folk music. The French national character infuses Nadia Boulanger's Three Pieces and the works of her teacher Gabriel Fauré: his elegant Sicilienne – originally written for orchestra but often adapted for cello and piano – and his ever-popular miniature "Après un rêve" from his Trois Mélodies. When asked about their own connections to this music and what they wish for the listener, Christoph and Ana agree: "Above all, joy! We share a love for the roots of these pieces and the inspiration they have brought to composers. For this album, we selected our favorite miniatures. Some are well-known, others more personal, but they are all connected in one way or another to the spirit of folk traditions. It is about the lasting pleasure of connecting through the music we love."