Credits:

Beethoven / Gulda / London Philharmonic Orch

Description:

［In Disc 1, Birsma and the Tafelmusik Orchestra are in perfect harmony, and the music of Boccherini is reproduced at its best here, where not only the technique but also the characteristics of the original instruments must be perfectly utilized to bring the music to life. ［In Disc 2, the cello or fortepiano is used as a bass continuo, and the flow of the "song" is emphasized. Birsma says, "To express Boccherini's intended music, the soft and transparent tone of an ancient instrument is indispensable," and he uses gut strings to sound a unique tone rich in overtones while making full use of his superb technique. ［In Disc 3, Rampal plays a modern instrument, and Boccherini's characteristic trills and syncopated melodies with rich ornamentation are enhanced by the gorgeous sound of the flute. Rampal's rich musicality is demonstrated not only on strings but also on wind instruments. ［In "Stabat Mater" [Disc 4], he sings the moving "Stabat Mater" with Roberta Invernizzi, a soprano who is well known for her Baroque and classical music. The best known version of this piece is the 1800 revision for soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and strings, but here we hear the first version with solo soprano and string quintet. The coupling consists of two "String Quintets" for quintet with two cellos. This is a masterpiece with a rich flavor. Sony Music

Tracklisting:

1.Overture (Sinfonia) in D major G. 521: Allegro con spirito molto - Andante - Tempo I
2.Concerto for Cello & Orchestra in D major G. 476: I. Allegro
3.Concerto for Cello & Orchestra in D major G. 476: II. Largo
4.Concerto for Cello & Orchestra in D major G. 476: III. Allegro piacere
5.Octet (Notturno) in G major G. 470: I. Andantino amoroso ma non largo
6.Octet (Notturno) in G major G. 470: II. Minuetto
7.Octet (Notturno) in G major G. 470: III. Finale. Allegro vivo
8.Concerto for Cello & Orchestra in C major G. 573: I. Maestoso
9.Concerto for Cello & Orchestra in C major G. 573: II. Largo cantabile
10.Concerto for Cello & Orchestra in C major G. 573: III. Allegro comodo
11.Sinfonia in C minor G. 519: I. Allegro vivo assai
12.Sinfonia in C minor G. 519: II. Pastorale. Lentarello
13.Sinfonia in C minor G. 519: III. Minuetto. Allegro
14.Sinfonia in C minor G. 519: IV. Finale. Allegro
15.Fugues for 2 Cellos G. 73: No. 5 in A major
16.Sonata for Cello & Basso continuo in G major G. 15: I. Allegro
17.Sonata for Cello & Basso continuo in G major G. 15: II. Larghetto
18.Sonata for Cello & Basso continuo in G major G. 15: III. Allegro
19.String Quintet in C major G. 349: IV. Rondeau. Allegretto moderato