Jean Louis Duport was one of the most important and influential composers for the cello in the first half of the 19th century. A virtuoso himself, he wrote a treatise on the cello, introducing new techniques, expanding the possibilities of the instrument to a great extent. As a demonstration of his new instrumental style he wrote 21 Etudes, in which all his inventions are incorporated. They are extremely difficult, requiring a virtuoso technique and deep musical insight, lifting the etude above the level of a mere exercise to a work of art. This recording, a world premiere, uses a second cello as a continuo basis, and is played with gut strings, as was usual in Duport's time. A must for cellists, cello lovers and anyone interested in early 19th century French instrumental music.

Tracklist:

Etude No. 1 In F Major (Andante)
Etude No. 2 In F Minor (Allegro)
Etude No. 3 In C Major (Allegro)
Etude No. 4 In C Minor (Allegro Moderato Et Très Marqué)
Etude No. 5 In C Minor (Moderato)
Etude No. 6 In G Major (Allegro)
Etude No. 7 In G Minor (Allegro)
Etude No. 8 In D Major (Adagio Cantabile)
Etude No. 9 In D Minor (Allegro Moderato)
Etude No. 10 In A Major (Allegro)
Etude No. 11 In A Minor (Allegro)
Etude No. 12 In E Major (Allegro Moderato - Presqu'andante)
Etude No. 13 In E Minor (Allegro)
Etude No. 14 In B-Flat Major (Andante Grazioso)
Etude No. 15 In B-Flat Minor (Allegro)
Etude No. 16 In E-Flat Major (Adagio)
Etude No. 17 In E-Flat Minor (Allegro)
Etude No. 18 In A-Flat Major (Allegro Maestoso)
Etude No. 19 In B Major (Allegro)
Etude No. 20 In B Minor (Allegro)
Etude No. 21 In D-Flat Major (Allegro)

UPC: 5028421947259
Label: Brilliant Classics
Release Date: 11.19.13
Format: CD

Alessandro Andriani - Etudes for Cello Solo (CD)