Catalogue

Summary:

“In the final movement of Anna Clyne’s DANCE…a bear-hug of a theme emerges through angry, percussive col legno snaps that is so beautiful, so heartfelt that it instantly drew tears on first hearing … Segev plays it here with dark tone and deep insight, closely supported by Marin Alsop and the London Philharmonic Orchestra… Here is a cellist with something to say” – Gramophone Editor’s Choice

“The concerto as a whole is utterly personal, blending musical materials in a way that is entirely Clyne’s own … DANCE is the most impressive piece by Clyne that I’ve heard, and it’s an achievement for any new cello work to overshadow Elgar’s concerto, with which it’s paired here” ★★★★ – The Guardian

“Elgar’s concerto, an obvious choice, throbs with passion and heartache, well supported by the London Philharmonic and the conductor Marin Alsop” – The Times

“[Anna Clyne is] a composer of uncommon gifts and unusual methods” – New York Times

“Alsop impresses not only as a communicator and female role model; she is also an ambassador for classical music in the 21st century” – Financial Times

This formidable release features Inbal Segev performing Elgar’s emotive Cello Concerto coupled with DANCE, an inspiring new work by Grammy-nominated English composer Anna Clyne that was commissioned by Inbal. On this powerful recording, Marin Alsop conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Marin introduced Inbal to Anna, sparking a special synergy between the three women. While Anna was composing DANCE, a five-movement concerto inspired by the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, further connections ensued. Anna’s soulful and vibrant music combines cultures that include her Irish-English family, Polish-Jewish ancestry and Inbal’s Israeli-American heritage. Inbal expounds, “Anna’s music has an old-soul sensibility but is fresh and modern at the same time. This juxtaposition of old and new has always appealed to me; it suits my playing, as well as the tone of my 1673 Ruggieri cello.”

Inbal’s idea to record Anna Clyne’s DANCE alongside Elgar’s Cello Concerto is timely: the two works were composed exactly 100 years apart. Inbal enthuses, “It is so rewarding to record and perform the work of a contemporary female composer whose music withstands comparison with Elgar’s. The two pieces share a certain sensibility – a romanticism, warmth and humanity – that transcends any stylistic differences.”

Elgar’s Cello Concerto, written in the wake of World War I, is deeply reflective. Anna Clyne’s DANCE is optimistic and forward-looking. Inbal’s recording of these two cello concertos is timeless.

Tracklist:

ANNA CLYNE (b.1980)

DANCE for cello and orchestra
1. I. when you’re broken open (4:43)
2. II. if you’ve torn the bandage off (4:07)
3. III. in the middle of the fighting (4:18)
4. IV. in your blood (5:30)
5. V. when you’re perfectly free (6:13)

EDWARD ELGAR (1857–1934)

Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
6. I. Adagio – Moderato (7:50)
7. II. Lento – Allegro molto (4:32)
8. III. Adagio (4:45)
9. IV. Allegro – Moderato – Allegro, ma non-troppo – Poco più lento – Adagio (11:56)

Total time: 54:51

Inbal Segev, cello
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Marin Alsop, conductor

Recorded 3–5 September 2019, Lyndhurst Hall, Air Studios, London

Producer: Andrew Walton (K&A Productions)
Sound engineer: Deborah Spanton
Editing: Andrew Walton
Mastering: Deborah Spanton