Offenbach Romantique Celloconcert 'Concerto Militaire' e.a.w. (2006)

Oktober 2009 op het programma van het Orkest van het Oosten. "This 45 m. Concerto militaire is the most important of the works he composed before his famous operettes - here recorded complete for the first time. After his death, the score was badly edited by cellist Jean-Max Clement, who reconstructed the second and third movements from piano sketches. He was unaware that the Offenbach family archives contained complete versions. Tragically, after Offenbach's death the three movements were separately sold, and it has been due to the detective work of editor Jean-Christophe Keck that all three movements have finally been brought together. Both the opening and the finale introduce military themes, with the main theme of the finale anticipating the rollicking style of the operettas. The Andante by contrast brings a warmly flowing melody beautifully written for the cello. The fill-ups, from later in Offenbach's career, add greatly to the attractions of the disc. A most welcome issue." (E. Greenfield, Gramophone)