Homage to Johann Sebastian Bach
Britten wrote his three Cello Suites for the great Russian cellist Rostropovich, a commission duly set down on the famous table napkin contract in the presence of Shostakovich. They had all met after Rostropovich’s London performance of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto. The contract was for Britten to compose six solo cello suites in homage to Bach for Rostropovich to premiere at the Britten’s Aldeburgh Festival. The Third Suite is famous for the final Passacaglia based on the Russian Kontakion, the Orthodox Church’s Hymn for the Departed, which is played after eight short movements. Sadly Britten’s promise to write all six Suites was never completed in full, but the three we have are a fitting reminder of a great friendship between three great artists
Please note that the programme for this concert is different to that printed in the brochure or programme book. The website contains the most up to date details, but please don't hesitate to contact the box office with any queries.
