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Nico Muhly's Cello Concerto

Nico Muhly

Steinway & Sons record label recently released a new album featuring the world premiere recording of American contemporary classical Composer Nico Muhly's Cello Concerto. The album was recorded by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jun Märkl and features premiere cellist Zuill Bailey. It was commissioned by The Barbican, Europe's largest multi-arts and conference venue and preimered by Britten Sinfonia with cellist Oliver Coates at the Barbican Center on March 16, 2012. It then was performed by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on January 25, 2013. The concerto is 18 minutes in length and in three parts, alternating fast-slow-fast. When 33 year-old Muhly studied music at the Julliard School he worked with American Composer Phillip Glass who is known for his minimalist works. Muhly demonstrates minimalist techniques in this concerto beautifully with drones and steady motoric rhythmic and lyrical development.

Here is Composer Nico Muhly with his London Premiere of Gait.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAv5QdOa-Ug

Here is cellist Zuill Bailey performing on the NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EkdIaEDOt0


Ernest Bloch

Featured along with this premiere is Ernest Bloch's Schelomo: Habraic Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra and Three Jewish Poems. Bloch was a Swiss-born American composer of the 20th century who passed away in 1959. He is most well-known for his works that reflect Jewish culture. His compositions are approachable, yet challenging. These two pieces from Bloch compliment Muhly's Cello Concerto perfectly.

Here is cellist Sol Gabetta performing Bloch's From Jewish Life: Prayer accompanied by pianist Andreas Kern.

You can purchase the world premiere recording of Muhly's Cello Concerto on iTunes or Amazon.