Around the World with the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic

When your orchestra is commonly regarded to be one of the very best in the world, it takes courage to stand out on your own. Since 1972, the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic have been doing just that, taking time out from their day job to perform and record together. The only such ensemble in the world, they are a unique and startling proposition. Now, as part of their orchestra’s London 2015 residency at the South Bank Centre, the 12 Cellists are bringing their uniquely layered sound to the Royal Festival Hall. Named ‘Round the World’ to encompass the concert’s extraordinary varied programme, their concert will encompass works by baroque master Purcell, romantic icon Schumann and modernist stalwart Shostakovich. This is a chance to experience the cello in its full range of diversity, played by musicians of international repute.
Henry Purcell’s music is both bright and ceremonial, and the Suite from Abdelazer and The Fairy-Queen promises to encompass both sides. Arranged by the contemporary composer and violinist Brett Dean for the ensemble’s line-up, the Suite contains some of Purcell’s very finest music, including the rondeau famously transformed in Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.
Shostakovich’s Suite for Variety Orchestra (post-1956) is one of its composer’s lightest works, with jazz influences. The original score calls for saxophones and immense percussion; in the hands of the 12 Cellists, the original’s knotty ‘Waltz No. 2’ will be transformed by a network of interweaving strings.
The concert will conclude with ‘Winterzeit II’ from Schumann’s Album für die Jugend (1848), a collection of pieces created for the composer’s daughters. While the first half of the Album is simple for beginners, the latter section – to which ‘Winterzeit II’ belongs – shows all of Schumann’s virtuosity and late style. To see it transfigured into a 12-cello piece will be a rare treat.