“I don’t know why it is,” says Thomas Adès, “that the cello of all instruments makes one dream of ‘Elsewhere’... Perhaps because the colours are so rich and wide-ranging, one can dream and find oneself in a different place.” This is inspiration behind Lieux retrouvés (or ‘Places Revisited’), Adès’ 15-minute work for cello and piano, written in 2009 for cellist Steven Isserlis. The piece is the title work on a new Hyperion disc featuring Isserlis and Adès (as pianist); a recording that has won them much acclaim:
***** BBC Music Magazine, Chamber Choice
‘As if Adès’ composing and conducting skills were each not exceptional enough, he continues to grace the musical world with his piano playing as well… Lieux retrouvés [is] written with Adès’ unerring skill…’
BBC Music Magazine (Malcolm Hayes), December 2012
***** Classical Music Magazine, Editors Choice
‘a fascinating, generous recital… [including] the CD premiere of a characteristically eclectic, brilliant piece’
Classical Music Magazine, 6 October 2012
Recording of the Month, Gramophone Magazine
‘the highlight is the first recording of Adès’ own Lieux retrouvés... [it] steps aside from the relatively lush sonorities and expansive designs of such recent orchestral works as Tevot and Polaris to revisit the concentrated allusiveness and memorably disconcerting blend of the ironic and the nostalgic that distinguish some of his earlier chamber pieces.’
Gramophone Magazine (Arnold Whittall), December 2012
‘Lieux retrouvés... a four-movement sonata whose figuration and part-writing knock at the door of the complex to seek the visionary.’
The Sunday Times (Paul Driver), 30 September 2012
‘Lieux retrouvés weaves its own mesmeric spell to complete one of the most affecting and intriguing recitals of cello music to have appeared for some considerable time… here is some of the most enjoyable and readily accessible contemporary music you’re likely to encounter.’
International Record Review (Michael Jameson), November 2012
***** BBC Music Magazine, Chamber Choice
‘As if Adès’ composing and conducting skills were each not exceptional enough, he continues to grace the musical world with his piano playing as well… Lieux retrouvés [is] written with Adès’ unerring skill…’
BBC Music Magazine (Malcolm Hayes), December 2012
***** Classical Music Magazine, Editors Choice
‘a fascinating, generous recital… [including] the CD premiere of a characteristically eclectic, brilliant piece’
Classical Music Magazine, 6 October 2012
Recording of the Month, Gramophone Magazine
‘the highlight is the first recording of Adès’ own Lieux retrouvés... [it] steps aside from the relatively lush sonorities and expansive designs of such recent orchestral works as Tevot and Polaris to revisit the concentrated allusiveness and memorably disconcerting blend of the ironic and the nostalgic that distinguish some of his earlier chamber pieces.’
Gramophone Magazine (Arnold Whittall), December 2012
‘Lieux retrouvés... a four-movement sonata whose figuration and part-writing knock at the door of the complex to seek the visionary.’
The Sunday Times (Paul Driver), 30 September 2012
‘Lieux retrouvés weaves its own mesmeric spell to complete one of the most affecting and intriguing recitals of cello music to have appeared for some considerable time… here is some of the most enjoyable and readily accessible contemporary music you’re likely to encounter.’
International Record Review (Michael Jameson), November 2012