VICTOR JULIEN-LAFERRIERE AT THE THEATRE DES CHAMPS-ELYSEES ON FEBRUARY 22, 2020
“A weekend of total immersion in the rich, warm sound of the cello in all its guises from Bach to the present day. The second concert features Victor Julien-Laferrière, one of the finest young cellists of the French school with a programme in four sections. Like Truls Mørk the previous day, he opens his journey with Beethoven and his lyrical twelve Variations for cello, then progresses towards German Romanticism with Mendelssohn, before leaping into autumn of 1960 when British composer Benjamin Britten was inspired by a recent meeting with Rostropovitch to compose a piece dedicated to the cellist. The combination of the Russian performer’s style and the register of his instrument which is close to the human voice, became a musical medium of choice for Britten and inspired some of his finest chamber pieces towards the end of his life. Lastly, the short contemporary gem Lieux retrouvés, composed by Thomas Adès (born in 1971), employs a highly illustrative style to convey the idea of nature.”
Beethoven Twelve variations for piano and cello
Mendelssohn Sonata for cello and piano No. 2 Op. 58
Britten Sonata for cello and piano Op. 65
Adès Lieux retrouvés, for cello and piano
Victor Julien-Laferrière cello
Justin Taylor pianoforte
Jonas Vitaud piano
11 February 2020