Julian Steckel, cello & Paul Rivinius, piano

Cankarjev dom Music Julian Steckel, cello & Paul Rivinius, piano

Programme:
Claude Debussy, Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor
Francis Poulenc, Sonata for Cello and Piano, FP 143
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Nadia Boulanger, Three Pieces
Cesar Franck, Sonata in A Major (arr. for the cello J. Delsart)

Julian Steckel’s relationship with music involves analytical intelligence and extreme commitment, his interpretations are grounded and accessible. A veteran of concert stages and recording studios, he assumes the role of a mediator between a composer's intensions and audience expectations with a characteristically open and clear tone and a profound understanding of a composition’s organicity. Julian’s solo career was launched after he won the prestigious ARD Musikwettbewerb in 2010. He has won prizes at the Grand Prix Rostropovich, the Grand Prix Feuermann and Pablo Casals Competition.

The two German artists showed their affinity towards French musical heritage several years ago with a double CD dedicated exclusively to French composers. The Silver Season concert promises a "live" rendition of this dedication: three pieces of inspired mood music by Nadia Boulanger are bookended by original, highly idiosyncratic sonatas by Franck, Debussy and Poulenc.

As an interpreter, I’ve started trusting my inner life more and letting the audience in. It’s a kind of vulnerability that makes you stronger.
Julian Steckel

Julian Steckel and Paul Rivinius do not disappoint: in fact, the freshness and energy they bring make up for their occasional brashness and weightier approach. Their Poulenc has an impressive freedom and sensuality, particularly in the plangent chordal introduction to the Finale, here played with an organ-like richness of resonance.
Classical Music