Track Listing

1. I. Enigme (Très libre et flexible)
2. II. Regard (Extrêmement calme)
3. III. Houles (Large et ample)
4. IV. Miroirs (Lent et extatique)
5. V. Hymne (Allegro)
6. I. Un poco indeciso
7. II. Andante sostenuto
8. III. Vivace
9. I. Librement
10. I. Interlude I
11. II. Vif
12. II. Interlude 2
13. III. Lent
14. III. Interlude 3
15. IV. Large et animé

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #150408 in Music
• Released on: 2006-02-07
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
Here are Henri Dutilleux's two concertos together on a disc of outstanding, well-recorded performances. Tout un monde lointain... is a cello concerto, the elusive title (from Baudelaire) unfortunately diminishing the popularity that it rightfully deserves. Written (and recorded) by Rostropovich, it's played here with breathtaking virtuosity and lyric beauty by Truls Mork. His opening soliloquy is lightly accompanied by struck cymbals, and a ghostly pianissimo orchestra immediately tells you this will be special. The e brilliant playing by soloist and orchestra confirms that expectation. The Violin Concerto, commissioned and recorded by Isaac Stern, also has a poetic title reflecting Dutilleux's intention--a work that develops, tree-like, into branches that grow and renew themselves. It's full of captivating moments, not least the third interlude, a cadenza written to sound improvised. It's a lyrical but energetic work, with blazing orchestral timbres that support Capucon's luminous violin. Separating the concertos is the brief but highly effective 3 Strophes sur le nome de Sacher, a solo cello piece played with expertise by Mork. An invaluable disc of modern masterpieces. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews

One of the most fascinating cello concertos in the repertoire
Don't let the previous review put you off Tout un Monde Lointain. It is quite simply one of the best cello concertos in history. The solo part is stunningly beautiful, full of mystery and highly virtuosic (though it doesn't sound virtuosic at all). The theme played by the cello right at the beginning reappears in various forms throughout the concerto. It is a striking example of an atonal yet memorable (one could almost say hummable) melody. The orchestra provides the rich textures characteristic of Dutilleux' music to create a nocturnal, highly poetic atmosphere. All in all, this is a very accessible work as far as late 20th century music goes.

Now, of course, it is contemporary music. It is not as immediately accessible as, say Dvorak's cello concerto. But to say that Tout un Monde Lointain "lacks listenability" (whatever that means) leaves me lost for words. I wonder what the previous reviewer would think of Boulez, Xenakis or Stockhausen...

I am not as familiar with the violin concerto (L'Arbre des Songes) but, like its cello counterpart, it is considered one of Dutilleux' finest works.

Trois Strophes sur le Nom de Sacher for solo cello is a short work that was part of a homage to Swiss conductor Paul Sacher for his 70th birthday. Although it is not as essential as the other two works, it is nonetheless a very fine piece which explores in an innovative way the possibilities of the solo cello, using for example an alternate tuning or scordatura to create some interesting effects.

While I don't own this CD, I've had the opportunity to listen to it several times. Truls Mork's playing is very impressive. He negotiates the many technical hurdles with such ease that we are not even aware that they are there. This is particularly important in the cello concerto because its strength lies first and foremost in its dreamlike atmosphere and beautiful solo part, both of which would be ruined by a too obvious display of empty virtuosity. Although this CD lacks the "historical value" of the Rostropovich recording, it more than makes up for it in terms of sound quality.

This CD is a perfect introduction to the music of one of the best late 20th century composer. If these works move you as they moved me, you'll probably love Dutilleux' other masterpieces: Métaboles (for orchestra), Ainsi la Nuit (for string quartet), the piano sonata, the two symphonies... the list goes on and on...

Disappointing Music Updated
First class quality performance and sound but the music lacks "listenability". I've tried to enjoy this cd several times but unfortunately have failed!
It is now July, 2008, and I've read the negative reactions to my review and I've listened to the music, especially the cello concerto, several more times. It's interesting to note there has been only one other review of this disc in contrast to 8 people finding my comments unhelpful. The other reviewer doesn't own the disc, doesn't know what I mean by listenability, but mentions 2 other composers who possibly lack listenability! I'm a 71 year old guy who has listened to and enjoyed and attended classical music performances all my life. I don't deny the beauty, importance and significance of contemporary and modern music. I humbly contend that this particular music would be best enjoyed at a live performance or at a time when the listener can give it their full attention. It is not the kind of music one would play in the background or when people are around having conversations. In those instances I believe the sound would be an annoying distraction. It is in that spirit that I used the term "listenability". Yes, I have learned to enjoy the cello concerto, but no, I wouldn't tell all my friends to buy it!