Haydn / Demaine - Cello Concertos 1 & 2 [CD]

Robert deMaine is an American virtuoso cellist who has been hailed by The New York Times as "an artist who makes one hang on every note." He has distinguished himself as one of the finest and most versatile instrumentalists of his generation, performing to critical acclaim as soloist, recitalist, orchestral principal, recording artist and chamber musician. He is currently Principal Cellist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and is in demand around the world as a soloist, chamber musician and clinician. This recording is a collaboration with New York conductor Joel Eric Suben and the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra recorded at Reduta Conceret Hall in Olomuc, Czech Republic. It was in this spirit of personalized composition that Haydn wrote his Cello Concerto in C major, Hob. VIIb:1, for the Esterházy family. The piece was unknown to modern audiences until 1961, when a copy of the score was uncovered. Since that time, it has become a staple of the cello repertoire, championed by many of the world's greatest cellists. Robert deMaine adds his name to that list with this lush recording. Haydn's Cello Concerto in D major, Hob. VIIb:2 was written for the Esterházy orchestra's principal cellist Antonín Kraft, who is said to have had a beautiful singing tone, expressive phrasing, and an explosive technique, especially in the cello's upper register. All of this is realized once again in this fresh performance from Robert deMaine.