Life of Guangzhou - Ensemble Performs Seductive Cello Music

When I was young, I was taught that piano is the king and violin is queen among musical instruments, since they have the widest range and richest timbre. The violin is the staple of solo repertoire, while the viola and cello tend to play background roles in symphonies and chamber ensembles.

So what happens when the cello plays the principal role in a composition? I greatly anticipated receiving an answer to this question at a concert featuring twelve cellists from the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra on the night of June 14.

Compared with the violin and viola, I found, the cello is lower pitched and more gentle. The hymns and lyrical pieces on the program sounded peaceful, if a bit dreary.

After an ensemble opening, the cellists performed duets, quartets, and quintets, which showcased the cello's appeal and the musicians' skill. D. Popper's Suite for two cellos, always a challenge at professional cello competitions, was on the program, as was A. Piazzola's Le Grand Tango, which excited the audience with its Spanish ardor.

My favorite pieces of the night came during the classical session. Music by Bach, Rossini, and Tchaikovsky was rejuvenated by the seductive cello. The double bass's throaty baritone, coupled with the brightness of the violin, enriched the masterpieces.

The finale was an arrangement of "Tonight," from the musical "West Side Story." Finally, in an encore, the ensemble showed off its fascinating skills and reciprocated the audience's fervent applause.

(Photographed and reported by Jessie Hwang, Usha Chilukuri)