Cello Concertos Nos. 1 and 2

The great Brazilian cellist Antonio Meneses extends his fruitful association with Avie with his sixth release and first concerto recording for the label. Directing the Northern Sinfonia from the cello, Meneses pairs the two classic Haydn concerti with a world-premiere by his compatriot Clovis Pereira. With flawless technique and unerring musicality, Antonio navigates Haydn's infectious fast movements with astonishing facility, and the inner slow movements with enduring expressiveness. The Pereira, dedicated to Meneses, melds a quasi-Baroque style with elements of the musicians' homeland, particularly the northeast countryside of the State of Pernambuco, where both cellist and composer hail from. The first movement's modal scales are unique to this region and the technique akin to the local fiddlers. The second movement recalls the calming, improvised chants of roaming shepherds, and the finale is a festive gallop to the finish.