Sound Out presenter Ian McGlynn previews a new album from renowned cellist Steven Isserlis
Steven Isserlis is many things; cellist, teacher, author of children’s books, including Why Beethoven Threw the Stew, and conductor. In fact he made his debut directing from the cello in 2008 with our own Irish Chamber Orchestra at the National Concert Hall.
Although he performs works by a wide range of composers, from baroque giants to romantic masters, his name has long been synonymous with composer John Tavener. In 1989 Isserlis premiered Tavener’s The Protecting Veil. Isserlis originally requested a short ten minute piece, but it ended up being much more substantial and later premiered at the BBC Proms. A subsequent recording won fans for both the composer and cellist all across the world, and the album was even nominated for the 1992 Mercury Prize. (They lost to Primal Scream).
Tavener and Isserlis remained great friends and worked together often. And shortly before Tavener's death in 2013 they had discussed a new album of a recent work they had collaborated on, but sadly time was not on their side. So instead Isserlis decided to pay tribute to the late Tavener by recording an album of his works. This new release celebrates Tavener’s music composed for cello, plus other works of his which Isserlis arranged for cello and cello ensemble.
The work that caught my eye was Mahámátar, which Tavener described as a mantra. Originally composed for Sufi singer and orchestra, an opening night hiccup that could have spelled disaster gave us the version in this recording.
Isserlis arrived to the premiere with ticket in hand, to be told by a stressed Tavener that his chosen vocalist, Sufi supremo Abida Parveen, couldn't read music and wouldn’t sing. Isserlis borrowed a cello and played her written line instead, while she improvised around it. And that’s the version recorded for this new album.
Tavener: No longer mourn for me & other works for cello features Steven Isserlis (cello), Matthew Rose (bass), Abi Sampa (vocals), Philharmonia Orchestra, Trinity Boys Choir and conductor Omer Meir Wellber, and is newly released on Hyperion Records
