The 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic

Essential Albums

  • Arvo Pärt: Tabula Rasa
    Arvo Pärt: Tabula Rasa

    Inspired by Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, and plainsong, the so-called “mystic minimalism” of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt forever changed the landscape of contemporary classical music. Pärt found a broad audience with this groundbreaking 1984 release, which was overseen by visionary classical and jazz producer Manfred Eicher and released on the newly formed ECM New Series label. Combining the stark beauty of early music with contemporary minimalism, the recording brings “Fratres” in two forms—a haunting piano and violin duet performed by Keith Jarrett and Gidon Kremer and a swirling arrangement played by 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic. The sorrowful “Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten” is set against the distant tolling bells; their ghostly, nautical sound bidding a somber farewell to the British composer known for his love of the sea. The double concerto “Tabula Rasa” is both mathematically precise and profoundly moving, with Kremer and fellow violinist Tatiana Grindenko developing exquisite melodic patterns over Alfred Schnittke’s prepared piano and a subtle—yet thunderously powerful—string chamber orchestra. In the words of Eicher, the recording marks “a truly electrifying encounter between the most unconventional stylists and protagonists of contemporary classical music and jazz.”

Albums

Compilations

About The 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic

These 12 musicians have had works written for them by Blacher, Xenakis, Rihm, and Dun, and they have also covered jazz, tango, and avant-garde.

ORIGIN
Berlin, Germany
FORMED
1974
GENRE
Classical

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