i Theme. Andante (E♭ major), ii Variation 1 (E♭ major), iii Variation 2 (E♭ major), iv Variation 3 (E♭ major), v Variation 4 (E♭ minor), vi Variation 5. Si prenda il tempo un poco più vivace (E♭ major), vii Variation 6. Adagio (E♭ major), viii Variation 7. Allegro, ma non troppo (E♭ major), ix Coda (C minor — E♭ major)
The set of variations on the duet ‘Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen’ from Die Zauberflöte dates from 1801. Here the music is already laid out in such a way that the two instruments are in essence equal partners. It is especially delightful to follow the dialogue of the duet, with the piano in the role of Pamina and the cello answering it as Papageno. In the ensuing variations Beethoven once more demonstrates his gift for structural clarity, producing extremely attractive exchanges which combine the instruments in both light-hearted play and dramatic rivalry. A strong contrast is provided by the mysterious minor-key variation, which presents the cello in its low register but conserves transparency of texture thanks to the sensitive piano-writing. In the coda to the final variation Beethoven springs the surprise of letting the opening theme blossom anew before the brilliant conclusion on two imperious chords. Here is yet more evidence of the mastery Beethoven deployed in his outstanding contribution to the cello repertoire.
i Modere, ii Sans vitesse et a l’aise, iii Vite et nerveusement rythme
Originally written for organ, Nadia Boulanger transcribed this piece for cello and piano in 1914. The first piece, Moderato, has a mysterious feel. The second piece is a peaceful lament and the final piece resembles the hustle and bustle of life.
i Allegro agitato, ii Andante molto tranquillo, iii Allegro molto e marcato
Edvard Grieg composed the Cello Sonata in A minor, Op. 36 for cello and piano, and his only work for this combination, in 1882–83, marking a return to composition following a period when he had been preoccupied with his conducting duties at the Bergen Symphony Orchestra as well as illness.
Nicola Tait Baxter - Cello
Nicola Tait Baxter studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Lionel Handy, winning prizes for both solo and chamber music and graduating with a first-class honours degree. Further scholarships took her to Germany and London, studying with cellists Johannes Goritzki and William Pleeth. At the age of 24 she gave her first solo broadcast for Radio 3 and she joined the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields chamber orchestra. For 5 years she was cellist in the renowned Fitzwilliam String Quartet, performing and giving masterclasses throughout Europe, Russia, North America and South Africa.
Colin Stone - Piano
Colin Stone’s long and varied career began in the 1980s. He had success in the Royal Over-Seas league and debuts on BBC Radio 3 and at the Wigmore Hall. Regular broadcasts, London recitals and a series of recordings established him as one of the leading British pianists of his generation. He formed the London Mozart Trio in the 1990s and made his debut with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 2001 giving the premiere of Robert Keeley’s Entourages in a live broadcast on Radio 3. Another premiere, a recording with Rustem Hayroudinoff of Shostakovich’s transcription for two pianos of his fourth symphony, attracted considerable praise in the music press. Colin Stone performed Shostakovich’s 24 preludes and fugues Op.87 in a concert introduced by Vladimir Ashkenazy, during the composer’s centenary celebrations in 2006 at Cadogan Hall, and subsequently recorded the set on the BigEars label.
Piano
6 February 2025
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