This programme focuses on the cello
The cello was created in Italy in the last quarter of the 17th century. After the turn of the century, it spread across Europe and became a competitor to the viola da gamba.
In this programme we will hear two solo concerts and a trio for three cellos.
The first work is a cello concert by Carl Friedrich Abel, who is now mainly known as virtuoso gambist and composer of music for viola da gamba. However, he also played the cello, and the cello concert we will hear dates from 1759, so even before he left for England.
Giuseppe Felice dall’ Abaco was trained as a cellist; his father, Evaristo Felice, was a cellist by profession too. He studied in Italy and then entered the service of the Elector of Bonn. He was given the opportunity to travel through Europe as a cello virtuoso, and performed as such in many cities including Vienna and London. His oeuvre mainly consists of music for cello; we will hear one of his two trios for three cellos.
The last composer has become somewhat well-known in the Netherlands through his connection with the Dutch royal family. Christian Ernst Graf was employed by the court in Rudolstadt for a number of years, but after various conflicts he was banished from the area. In 1757/1758 he entered the service of Stadtholder William V and his wife Anna van Hannover. Two cello concerts by Graf are known, both of which are technically demanding.
Carl Friedrich Abel (1723-1787)
1. Concerto for cello, strings and basso continuo in B flat major (WK 52)
Gulrim Choï, cello. Ensemble Diderot conducted by Johannes Pramsohler
(cd: “Cello Concertos from Northern Germany” – Audax Records ADX 11200, 2022)
Giuseppe Clemente dall’Abaco (1710-1805)
2. Trio for 3 cellos no 2 in B flat major
Tiefsaits (Anna Reisener, Alma Stolte, Mirjam-Luise Münzel, cello)
(cd: “À Tre – 18th Century Cello Trios” – Da Vinci Classics C00943, 2024)
Christian Ernst Graf (1723-1804)
3. Concerto for cello and orchestra no 2 in D major
Klaus-Dieter Brandt, cello. L’Arpa festante conducted by Christoph Hesse
(cd: Christian Ernst Graf, Carl Friedrich Abel, “Cello Concertos and Sinfonias” – Ars Produktion ARS 38 068, 2010)
addition:
Giuseppe Clemente dall’Abaco
4. Capricio for cello solo no 4 in D minor
Mirjam-Luise Münzel, cello
(cd: see 2)
Picture: Paulus Constantijn la Fargue (1729-1782) – View of the Daily Green Market in The Hague (1764) (The Hague as it used to be)
