Cello Concertos

For his debut album with PENTATONE Johannes chose to record the pinnacle of the repertoire for cello and orchestra, the concerto by Antonin Dvorak. In this monumental work Dvorak explores the entire spectrum of human emotion, very much inspired by his own experiences, ranging from exhilarating bursts of life in New York City to the devastating tragedy of his unfulfilled love. In preparation for the recording, made with the PKF - Prague Philharmonia, Johannes Moser and conductor Jakub Hrusa had Dvorak's own manuscript at hand in order to come closer to the composer's intention rather than relying on unquestioned traditions and acquired habits, while paying tribute to the concerto's nickname, "Dvorak's 10th Symphony".

Moser completes his album with the Cello Concerto by Edouard Lalo. It is a work of great verve which fully embodies Spanish flair combined with romantic spirit.

Besides being staples of the Romantic cello repertoire the two works have a lot in common. Johannes Moser says about the two conteri: "The unifying motif between these two Cello Concertos is a sense of yearning: From America, Dvorak yearned for his homeland and an unfulfilled love, whereas Lalo yearned for the typically Spanish flair and the Mediterranean temperament".