One of the most fascinating cello concertos in the repertoir
Cello | 02/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Don't let the previous review put you off Tout un Monde Lointain. It is quite simply one of the best cello concertos in history. The solo part is stunningly beautiful, full of mystery and highly virtuosic (though it doesn't sound virtuosic at all). The theme played by the cello right at the beginning reappears in various forms throughout the concerto. It is a striking example of an atonal yet memorable (one could almost say hummable) melody. The orchestra provides the rich textures characteristic of Dutilleux' music to create a nocturnal, highly poetic atmosphere. All in all, this is a very accessible work as far as late 20th century music goes.
Now, of course, it is contemporary music. It is not as immediately accessible as, say Dvorak's cello concerto. But to say that Tout un Monde Lointain "lacks listenability" (whatever that means) leaves me lost for words. I wonder what the previous reviewer would think of Boulez, Xenakis or Stockhausen...
I am not as familiar with the violin concerto (L'Arbre des Songes) but, like its cello counterpart, it is considered one of Dutilleux' finest works.
Trois Strophes sur le Nom de Sacher for solo cello is a short work that was part of a homage to Swiss conductor Paul Sacher for his 70th birthday. Although it is not as essential as the other two works, it is nonetheless a very fine piece which explores in an innovative way the possibilities of the solo cello, using for example an alternate tuning or scordatura to create some interesting effects.
While I don't own this CD, I've had the opportunity to listen to it several times. Truls Mork's playing is very impressive. He negotiates the many technical hurdles with such ease that we are not even aware that they are there. This is particularly important in the cello concerto because its strength lies first and foremost in its dreamlike atmosphere and beautiful solo part, both of which would be ruined by a too obvious display of empty virtuosity. Although this CD lacks the "historical value" of the Rostropovich recording, it more than makes up for it in terms of sound quality.
This CD is a perfect introduction to the music of one of the best late 20th century composer. If these works move you as they moved me, you'll probably love Dutilleux' other masterpieces: Métaboles (for orchestra), Ainsi la Nuit (for string quartet), the piano sonata, the two symphonies... the list goes on and on...
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GREATEST of the GREAT
BALCONY | NEW YORK CITY | 01/24/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD contains particularly fine renderings of two extraordinary concertos by an incomparable composer. It is difficult to describe Dutilleux's music without venturing into superlatives. At the beginning of each of these pieces, one embarks on a voyage, and one is staggered by the passing "scenic" display of colors, textures, and melodic brilliance. His tranfiguring harmony sounds like that of no other composer. And as always with Dutilleux, motifs heard early in each concerto recur several times later, but each time within a new context. The result is an exquisite "triggering" of memory.
Sound poetic enough? In truth, Dutilleux is our most "poetic" composer."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1