Britten’s seminal Suites for Solo Cello are a 20th century analogue to J.S. Bach’s landmark Suites for Solo Cello. All three of these pieces were written for, and dedicated to, the Russian titan of the cello, Mstislav Rostropovich. Coincidentally, Amalie Stalheim has recently been loaned a G.B. Guadagnini cello that was once owned by Mstislav Rostropovich. While she plays an F. Ruggieri cello from 1687 on this recording, Amalie makes her performance debut on the historic Guadagnini 1783 instrument in November 2025. Benjamin Britten’s First Suite for Solo Cello, Op. 72 (1964) pays tribute to Bach, with an unmistakable tribute in the opening, as well as a theme from the first Fugue of the Well-Tempered Clavier in the ensuing Fuga. The Second Suite for Solo Cello, Op. 80 (1967), has five movements, including a fugue, scherzo, lyrical Andante, and a virtuosic Chaconne. The Third Suite for Solo Cello, Op. 87 (1971) draws on Russian folk songs and Orthodox chant, “as a tribute to a great Russian musician and patriot” which Britten said of his material and his admiration for Rostropovich in his Foreword to the score.

Amalie Stalheim – cello