Catalogue

Summary:

“It’s a much more expansive composition than the title might suggest, with three substantial movements, that demonstrate impeccable craftsmanship and a tightly-knit organisation of thematic material…Matthew Sharp is an impassioned advocate, and the English Symphony Orchestra strings under Kenneth Woods, supported by a warmly ambient recording, give committed support.” ★★★★ – BBC Music Magazine

“Vividly captured in warm acoustics, Sharp’s cello is beautifully stylish and heartfelt in Gál’s two late solo suites and the first recording of the 1965 Concertino — sombre and wistful music, undeservedly forgotten.” ★★★★ – The Times

Bringing to light another of Hans Gál’s gorgeously melodic and finely crafted scores, AVIE presents the world premiere recording of the Austrian émigré’s Concertino for Cello and String Orchestra with Matthew Sharp supported by Gál aficionado Kenneth Woods conducting the English Symphony Orchestra. Gál’s compositional output was vast, varied and consistent, from his early success in 1920’s Germany, through internment during World War II, to his days in Edinburgh where he settled, became a respected academic and lived out his long life. His vivacious Cello Concertino was written in 1965, when he was 75 years old. The two spirited solo cello works were among his last, written at the age of 92.

Tracklist:

HANS GÁL (1890–1987)

Concertino for Cello and String Orchestra, Op. 87 (24.30)
1. I. Molto moderato – quasi allegro (9.38)
2. II. Adagio (8.03)
3. III. Allegretto ritenuto assai (6.49)

Sonata for Solo Cello, Op. 109a (20.36)
4. I. Andante – allegro comodo (8.33)
5. II. Quasi menuetto lento (6.49)
6. III. Vivace (5.14)

Suite for Solo Cello, Op. 109b (22.26)
7. I. Introduzione e Fughetta: Grave – Allegro molto moderato (5.17)
8. II. Alla Marcia: Allegro moderato (6.42)
9. III. Cavatina: Adagio (4.25)
10. IV. Rondino: Allegro ma non troppo (6.02)

Total duration: 68.04

Recorded 27-28 May 2017, Shire Hall, Hereford, UK (tracks 1 – 3); 4 – 5 October 2017, Church of St. Peter, Evercreech, Somerset, UK (tracks 4 – 10)
Produced, edited and engineered by Simon Fox-Gál