Repertoire

Cristòfor Taltabull: Overture. Symphonic Prologue to a Drama (1910) 11′
Franz Joseph Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 2 in D major, Hob. VIIb:2, Op. 101 (1783) 25′
Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47 (1937) 44′

ARTISTS

Jaime Martín, direcció
Steven Isserlis, violoncel
Barcelona Symphony Orchestra (OBC)

Programme

Dedicated to Max Reger, Symphonic Prologue to a Drama was composed by Cristòfor Taltabull during the first decade of the 20th century, following his studies in Germany. In it he also hints at the Wagnerian influence that then prevailed in Barcelona.

The second of Haydn’s cello concertos dates from 1783, when he was still a court musician for the Esterházy family. This luminous and communicative work begins with an orchestral introduction, while the refined virtuoso treatment of the solo part respects classical balance and conveys a praiseworthy sense of ownership.

The narrative woven into Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 is much more dramatic. Premiered in 1937, the work was an instant success and eyewitness accounts speak of prolonged applause and the tears inspired by the slow movement.