In Time of War
In this Crespo Foundation sponsored recital by the superb Danish cellist, Andreas Brantelid, and the star Ukrainian pianist, Anna Fedorova we hear two core cello works from early in the 20th Century. Music in time of war is a running theme throughout this Festival. Debussy’s Sonata dates from the early years of the First World War. As a homage to France in its hour of need and as a reminder of the golden age of French music, Debussy set out to compose a set of six sonatas to glorify France. The plan was wonderful but Debussy was already dying and only finished three of them. The much-loved and quirky Cello Sonata is well-known for its vision of transforming the cello into a giant bass guitar. Rachmaninov’s Sonata is the exact opposite, a passionate love-song that arouses some of the most magnificent and exciting cello themes ever written. The composer was of course madly in love so those great melodies came from the heart, but as Rachmaninov was an outstanding pianist so those unrivaled cello themes must find a way to balance with some of the most challenging piano music he wrote. Great artists are called for - the famous Andante alone reveals the very ecstasy of love while the glorious Finale unveils music of staggering power and beauty, not to be missed.
