On my way home last night I was listening to Performance Today on NPR, and I heard an amazing recording of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”. The piece was performed by the 12 cellos of the Berlin Philharmonic! I have never heard a sound exactly like this before, and based on the tonal colors discussion that we have been having in Ed’s Forum, I was especially aware of the differences in some of the sounds that I was hearing (as the members would trade the melodic line). Greats sounds, from everyone, but each with a distinct voice.
Here is a link to their web site and
here is a link to their most recent album (with Jesu, Joy) which includes a piece that they perform with trumpeter Markus Stockhausen (he is also the composer).
I’m definitely going to get this CD. If you’re looking for something different, but also want something of the absolute highest caliber of musicianship, check out this disk!