Cello Diverse
Susanne Beer was one of the UK’s leading orchestral cellists and here makes her debut solo album with the extremely talented pianist Gareth Hancock. Diverse works, yet bound in commonality by the cello’s voice-like quality and ability to convey emotion and mood.
Tragically, Susanne died in December 2019, at the age of 52, after a battle with cancer. She will be sadly missed.
Track Listing
-
Igor Stravinsky:
- Suite Italienne − I. Introduzione (2:26)
- Suite Italienne − II. Serenata (3:34)
- Suite Italienne − III. Aria (6:01)
- Suite Italienne − IV. Tarantella (1:17)
- Suite Italienne − V. Mineutto e Finale (5:08) Claude Debussy:
- Sonata for cello and Piano − I. Prologue (4:19)
- Sonata for cello and Piano − II. Serenade (3:19)
- Sonata for cello and Piano − III. Finale (3:48) Johannes Brahms:
- Sonata for Cello and Piano, op. 99 − I. Allegro vivace (9:24)
- Sonata for Cello and Piano, op. 99 − II. Adagio affettuoso (7:34)
- Sonata for Cello and Piano, op. 99 − III. Allegro passionato (6:33)
- Sonata for Cello and Piano, op. 99 − IV. Allegro molto (4:43) Ennio Morricone:
- Gabriel's Oboe (3:22)
Reviews
“This disc contains some of the finest, and strongest, most purposeful, cello playing I’ve heard in a long time. Indeed so forthright is the playing, and so intense her interpretations, that I was immediately reminded of the young Jacqueline du Pré. Ms Beer can stand that extravagant comment for she proves it with every note she plays .It was a real pleasure to report on this disc for everything about it – performance, recording etc. – commands our attention. Susanne Beer is a fine artist and we should hear much more of her. RECORDING OF THE MONTH
” —Bob Briggs
“Susanne Beer draws a fine ribbon of sound from her instrument, all the while informing the music with the most engaging lilt. There’s excellent double stopping here. Brahms’ Sonata is given a model performance.
” —Neville Cohn
“Very interesting and pleasing disc… all in all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable disc from beginning to end
” —Gerald Fenech
“Susanne Beer… is a complete musician. I loved this performance and the marvellous contrasts of sound the cellist makes. Some of her soft playing is so beautiful that it is beyond praise. This is not a performance but an experience. Her playing is exquisite and lacking in mannerisms. She has a wonderful capacity to communicate. Her tone is ravishing and she puts the music first. This disc cannot be recommended highly enough. It conjures up all the best life has to offer.
” —David Wright
“Beer has a warm, pliable tone that is fully alive to the wit and dynamic shading of Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne and Debussy sonata ⭐️⭐️⭐️
” —Philip Sommerich
