New on takt1: Gabetta & Staatskapelle Dresden

The “queen of the cello”, Sol Gabetta” at Konzerthaus Dortmund. Staatskapelle Dresden is conducted by Daniele Gatti.

It’s one of the showpieces of the cello repertoire: Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1. In the work, the French composer skillfully weaves together a three-movement internal structure, creating the impression of one long single movement. In the hands of the “queen of the cello” Sol Gabetta, it is sure to shine especially bright. After the German premiere in 1877, the “Neue Zeitschrift für Musik”, not exactly famed for gushing reviews, proclaimed: “The concerto is formally concise and elegant, with zesty details and a highly effective solo part – what more could you possibly want?”

The second half of the concert is reigned by Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, a crucial turning point in the composer’s oeuvre. Beginning with the Fifth, his music became a profound meditation on the profane world. It’s debatable whether Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 is full of private emotions and images, as some have claimed – in any case, it remains one of his most popular works, not least thanks to the wonderfully pensive Adagietto. The first and second movements mourn for a lost world; they are followed by a buoyant Scherzo and a jubilant choral finale.

English title Mahler's 5th & Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1
Recording location Konzerthaus Dortmund
Recording date 18 September 2019
Production year 2019
Production Company takt1
Co-Production Company sone media
Producer Simeon Klein
Director Michael Ciniselli
Sound Engineer Jens Schünemann
English title of music work Cello Concerto No. 1
Composer Camille Saint-Saëns
Soloist Sol Gabetta
English title of music work Symphony No. 5
Composer Gustav Mahler
Orchestra / Band Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden
Conductor Daniele Gatti