Jakob Spahn - Penderecki: Chamber Music, Vol. 2 – Violoncello totale (2018)

There are already more than 20 CD's in the "Special Edition" series of DUX dedicated to the recording of the complete work of the famous Polish composer Krystof Penderecki, and a parallel project is being developed by Naxos. This new volume contains most of the chamber works for cello, some well known and already recorded several times (Cappriccio per Sigfried Palm and Per Slava for example), others newer as the Suite, the transcription of the Cadenza for violin viola , and Total Violoncello. There are also three works for violoncello ensemble: Serenata for three cellos, Agnus Dei (eight cellos), and Ciaccona in memoriam Giovanni Paolo II (six cellos).
Jakob Spahn is the principal cellist of this CD. It has an impressive technique and a warm sound, particularly highlighted by the recording. The cello is actually one of Penderecki's favorite instruments. The composer naturally wrote a lot for him, starting with two concerti. Among the works of this new CD, we are particularly impressed by the Suite (eight pieces) which proudly takes its place among its illustrious elders, namely the six suites of Bach and the three suites of Britten. Let's hope that Penderecki's will not be long in entering the current repertoire, as well as the piece composed in 2011 that gives its generic title to the CD, Violoncello Totale, a summit of virtuosity and musicality that should seduce future candidates to Queen Elizabeth . Also noteworthy is the transcription for eight cellos of one of the composer's most popular vocal pieces, the Agnus Dei, taken from his famous Polish Requiem. This CD confirms that Penderecki is one of the greatest living composers. Very great music!
Dominique Lawalrée