A profoundly mournful classical work, written by one of Poland’s leading avant-garde composers, vied with REM and Paul McCartney to become a huge bestseller in 1992. Those involved recall a truly surprising hit
Equally skilled at rhythmic jazz improvisations and classical concertos, South African Abel Selaocoe introduces us to the works he thinks every cellist should master
Steven Isserlis
(Hyperion)
CONTEMPORARY classical composers aiming for spiritual depth and new dimensions in their music have long been seen as in the artistic vanguard, never more so than if they find a unique voice.
John Tavener, with his exploration of the Anglican faith in the 1960s, then his conversion to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1977, is one who found that unique voice.
Renowned cello player Steven Isserlis, a devotee of Tavener and a personal friend through much of his career, is noted for the lyricism, tenderness, power and beauty in his playing and he helped shape and realise the composer’s sound, most notably on his seminal work The Protecting Veil, nominated for the 1992 Mercury Prize.