Solo cello recordings

March 23, 2005 7:42 PM

I'm eager to find recordings of solo cello that could be classified as ambient/minimalist/moody. Help?
posted by davebush to media & arts (15 comments total)

Like this?
posted by vacapinta at 7:46 PM on March 23, 2005

I'd like to think songs from certain asian-inspired films have lots of ambient cello. Such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon...
posted by omidius at 7:56 PM on March 23, 2005

David Darling.
posted by biscotti at 8:32 PM on March 23, 2005

Bach's Cello Suites are classic solo cello. Not sure if they are moody.
posted by ontic at 9:03 PM on March 23, 2005

The yo yo ma recordings from Philip Glass' Naqoyqatsi are certainly minimalist, and I personally think they're great. Glass probably has other cello solos used in his composition, but this one was extensive.

Amazon link to album
posted by pelletierm at 9:34 PM on March 23, 2005

I'll second Zoe Keating. You may also like Erik Friedlander, Giovanni Sollima, the late Tom Cora, Maya Beiser and Joan Jeanrenaud (formerly of the Kronos Quartet).

Each of these artists has a wide repertoire (some are also composers), but much of what they play probably fall into your categories.
posted by judith at 9:47 PM on March 23, 2005

Try the Benjamin Britten solo cello suites, especially the second one. I think they fit the bill almost perfectly. The Rostropovich recording is a good one to look for, as the suites were written for him.
posted by louigi at 3:09 AM on March 24, 2005

Although he sometimes sings along with his cello, check out Arthur Russell.
posted by driveler at 4:55 AM on March 24, 2005

this stuff is awesome! thanks for asking the q.
posted by evening at 5:07 AM on March 24, 2005

It's actually bass viol, but check out Sainte Colombe. The guy was way ahead of his time. Jordi Savall is the musican who is largely responsible for bringing some attention to this formerly obscure composer, and the recordings are gorgeous. Particularily note his Tombeau de Regrets.
posted by desuetude at 6:30 AM on March 24, 2005

Great list!

I would also add Dave Holland's Emerald Tears.
posted by curtm at 6:50 AM on March 24, 2005

You might want to try listening to Jacqueline du Pré's work.
posted by orange swan at 6:53 AM on March 24, 2005

Try the Benjamin Britten solo cello suites,

Just want to second this - some of my favorite music.
posted by jalexei at 7:44 AM on March 24, 2005

I was also going to recommend Arthur Russell.
posted by kenko at 9:21 AM on March 24, 2005

It's not ambient, minimalist, or moody, or solo but it's cello.
posted by Wet Spot at 6:13 PM on March 24, 2005