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.
4 Etude No. 4 in C minor: Allegro Moderato Et TRÈS Marqué
5 Etude No. 5 in C minor: Moderato
6 Etude No. 6 in G Major: Allegro
7 Etude No. 7 in G minor: Allegro
8 Etude No. 8 in D Major: Adagio Cantabile
9 Etude No. 9 in D minor: Allegro Moderato
10 Etude No. 10 in a Major: Allegro
11 Etude No. 11 in a Minor: Allegro
- Disc 2 -
1 Etude No. 12 in E Major: Allegro Moderato - Presqu'andante
2 Etude No. 13 in E minor: Allegro
3 Etude No. 14 in B Flat Major: Andante Grazioso
4 Etude No. 15 in B Flat minor: Allegro
5 Etude No. 16 in E Flat Major: Adagio
6 Etude No. 17 in E Flat minor: Allegro
7 Etude No. 18 in a Flat Major: Allegro Maestoso
8 Etude No. 19 in B Major: Allegro
9 Etude No. 20 in B minor: Allegro
10 Etude No. 21 in D Flat Major: Allegro
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.