Nicolas Altstaedt - Salonen: Cello Concerto & Ravel: Sonata for Violin and Cello - Record Geijutsu
The Cello Concerto by Esa-Pekka Salonen is a sophisticated piece. It is technically demanding but is simultaneously lyrical. Lots of ideas are introduced to entertain the audience who are familiar with the “ordinary” repertoire of an orchestral concert. The concept of coupling the sonata for violin and cello by Ravel looks strange. Actually, the intense and sensitive rendition from Pekka Kuusisto and Altstaedt is no less thrilling than Salonen’s concerto!