William Bolcom’s compositions, widely performed and recorded, include seven symphonies, various concertos, six operas and an extensive catalogue of chamber music. This recording of his complete works for cello begins with Capriccio, written in a sonata-like form that combines aspects of Milhaud and Brahms. Bolcom’s Suite No. 1 expands on stage music written for Arthur Miller’s tragic Broken Glass, and reflects the play’s somber mood. The one-movement Décalage is strongly influenced by the music of Pierre Boulez, and the bleak and barren universe of Dark Music recalls certain plays of Samuel Beckett. In contrast to these last two works, Bolcom’s Cello Sonata returns to a traditional form and world of sound, echoing the models of Schubert and Brahms.
Artist details
Bolcom, William
Capriccio
1 I. Allegro con spirito - Very rhythmic 02:18
2 II. Molto adagio espressivo 03:36
3 III. Like a barcarolle - Tempo giusto 03:24
4 IV. Gingando (Brazilian Tango Tempo), "Tombeau d'Ernesto Nazareth" 05:45
