Presents
Jacques Offenbach
Deux Âmes au Ciel for Cello & Piano, Op.25
Jacques Offenbach (1819-1881) is known by one and all as the famous composer of operettas. What is not known is that he was first a concert cellist, who made his living playing in orchestras, giving solo and chamber music concerts. He wrote several works for cello and piano intended for the recital hall, which he himself premiered.
Deux Âmes au Ciel (Two Souls in Heaven) was composed in 1843 when Offenbach was 24 and already an established concert artist. Though one might perhaps expect something joyful, the mood, while peaceful, is tinged with a brooding quality. The singing quality of Offenbach's are very apparent here and it is not hard to see how he went on to be a successful composer of opera and operetta.
Out of print for many years, it goes without saying that this is a fine recital work well-suited for the cello.
Parts: $11.95
