Suites for Violoncello Solo-Klengel, Becker, Tortelier

HUGO BECKERFantastische Suite Op.14 (1919)*JULIUS KLENGELSuite d-minor Op. 56 for Violoncello solo (1923)*PAUL TORTELIERSuite en ré mineur (1946)**WeltersteinspielungThis CD presents the first recording of two original, very different and thus far unknown Romantic works for solo cello: Julius Klengel's Suite in D minor op. 56 and Hugo Becker's Fantastic Suite from the life of the woodland gnome op. 14. Both of these early twentieth century works represent the two leading cellists' discovery of composing late in life. Like Paul Tortelier's strongly Bach-oriented Suite in D minor, they are important additions to the cello repertoire. This year we celebrate with both composers anniversaries: Hugo Becker (150. year of birth) and Paul Tortelier (100. year of birth). Markus Wagner has won prizes at several national and international competitions, including first prize at the Felix Mottl Competition in Munich in 1989, the Arts Bursary of the city of Augsburg in 1991, a medal at the Maria Canals Concours International de Musique in Barcelona in 1991 and a diploma at the Concours International d'Exécution musicale in Vina del Mar, Chile in 1991.