Matthew Sharp, English Symphony Orchestra/Kenneth Woods - Hans Gal: Concertino For Cello and String Orchestra, Solo Cello Sonata, Solo Cello Suite

Cellist Matthew Sharp, together with Kenneth Woods conducting the English Symphony Orchestra, offers the world premiere recording of Hans Gal's gorgeously melodic and finely crafted Concertino for Cello and String Orchestra, alongside the composer's Sonata and Suite for solo cello.

Gal's compositional output was vast, varied and consistent, from his early success in 1920's Germany, through internment during World War II, to his days in Edinburgh where he settled, became a respected academic and lived out his long life. His vivacious Cello Concertino was written in 1965, when he was 75 years old. The two spirited solo cello works were among his last, written at the age of 92.

Critical Acclaim

lyrical beauties � beautifully stylish and heartfelt --The Times

very much worth discovering � soulful � yearning .. spacious --The Guardian

hats off to conductor Kenneth Woods [for] making a case for Gal's elegantly built orchestral pieces � Here's hoping this is the beginning of a substantial Gal revival. � National Public Radio's All Things Considered

an extraordinary cellist � charismatic, virtuosic, brimming with verve and poetry � The Times (UK), on Matthew Sharp

Matthew Sharp is an impassioned advocate and the English Symphony Orchestra strings under Kenneth Woods, supported by a warmly ambient recording, give committed support. Performance * * * * / Recording * * * * * --BBC Music Magazine