Transitions — Cello Concertos by Nikolai Kapustin & Alfred Schnittke CD

Eckart Runge | Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin | Frank Strobel

Product Information

• UPC: 845221053622
• Product Type: Audio CD
• Format: Digital Recording
• Genre: Contemporary Classical / Cello Concertos

• Works Included:

  • Nikolai Kapustin (b. 1937) — Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 1, Op. 85 (1997)

    • I. Allegro (10:30)
    • II. Largo con moto (6:43)
    • III. Allegro (7:25)

  • Alfred Schnittke (1934–1998) — Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 1 (1986)

    • I. Pesante - Moderato (16:42)
    • II. Largo (11:32)
    • III. Allegro vivace (4:08)
    • IV. Largo (12:44)

• Performers:

  Conductor: Frank Strobel
  • Eckart Runge (Cello)
  • Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin

• Recording Dates & Location:

  Recording Supervision: Wolfram Nehls
  • Berlin, RBB Haus des Rundfunks, March 9–10, 2018, and September 30–October 2, 2019
• Recording Engineers: Henri Thaon, Michael Havenstein (Schnittke / 3rd movement Kapustin)
• Producers: Stefan Lang (Deutschlandfunk Kultur), Johannes Kernmayer (Capriccio)
• Cover Photo: Josep Molina
• Co-Production: Deutschlandfunk Kultur & Capriccio
• Label: Capriccio
• Catalog Number: C5362
• Release Year: 2020
• Total Duration: 69:43 minutes
• Made in: Germany
• Website: www.capriccio.at

Overview

Transitions pairs two major cello concertos by late 20th-century composers Nikolai Kapustin and Alfred Schnittke, performed by cellist Eckart Runge and the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin under the baton of Frank Strobel.

Kapustin’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 1, Op. 85 (1997), a world premiere recording, combines his distinctive blend of jazz-inflected rhythms with classical concerto form, marked by lyrical melodies and vibrant energy. Schnittke’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 1 (1986) is a complex, emotionally intense work, showcasing Schnittke’s polystylistic approach and dramatic contrasts across four movements.

This recording offers an insightful exploration of contemporary concerto repertoire, balancing the virtuosic and expressive demands on the soloist with richly textured orchestral writing.

Product Features

• Format: 1 Audio CD
• Genre: Contemporary Classical Cello Concertos
• Soloist: Eckart Runge (cello)
• Orchestra: Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
• Conductor: Frank Strobel
• Recording Quality: High-definition digital recording at RBB Haus des Rundfunks, Berlin
• Duration: Approximately 70 minutes
• Packaging: Elegant jewel case with detailed liner notes

Interesting Facts

• This album features the world premiere recording of Kapustin’s Cello Concerto No. 1, highlighting a fusion of jazz elements with classical forms.
• Alfred Schnittke’s concerto is notable for its dramatic intensity and multi-layered compositional style, regarded as a landmark in late 20th-century music.
• Eckart Runge, acclaimed for his expressive and technically brilliant playing, delivers compelling performances in both concertos.
• Frank Strobel is recognized for his expertise in contemporary music and film scores, bringing sensitivity and clarity to these demanding works.

Track Listing

(For full track details and timings, please refer to the enclosed booklet)

Publishers

© 2020 Capriccio, Vienna, Austria Co-production Deutschlandfunk Kultur – Capriccio Cover photo by Josep Molina Made in Germany

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• English: #NikolaiKapustin #AlfredSchnittke #CelloConcerto #EckartRunge #RundfunkSinfonieorchesterBerlin #FrankStrobel #ContemporaryClassical #Capriccio

• German: #NikolaiKapustin #AlfredSchnittke #Cellokonzert #EckartRunge #RundfunkSinfonieorchesterBerlin #FrankStrobel #ZeitgenössischeKlassik #Capriccio