217

217 Years

Two sonatas and two suite-like works in a program that spans 217 years: the concept of 217, the album by cellist Thomas-Michael Auner and pianist Maximilian Flieder, is as simple as it is multifaceted. The musical journey stretches from Beethoven’s Sonata in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2 (composed in 1796), through Schumann’s Five Pieces in Folk Style, to Friedrich Cerha’s Five Movements for Cello and Piano from 2013. The program is rounded off by Paul Klengel’s transcription of Brahms’ Violin Sonata Op. 78 for cello and piano.

The title 217 refers to the span between the earliest and the most recent work, a number that not only reflects historical developments but also reveals stylistic diversity. Whether this time span feels long or short depends on perspective. Musically, this perspective enters into a fascinating dialogue with form, musical language, and expression.

Recording

The album was recorded from 26 to 28 September 2021 in the concert hall of Atelier 73 in Unterretzbach, a space that offers a natural, transparent acoustic character. The recording setup featured a classic AB main system with omnidirectional microphones, complemented by stereo spot mics for cello and piano as well as room microphones.

217 was released digitally on 23 June 2023 by the label Solo Musica.

Tracks

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
Sonata in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2 for Piano & Cello (1796)
1. Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo. Allegro molto piú tosto Presto
2. Rondo. Allegro

ROBERT SCHUMANN
Five Pieces in Folk Style, Op. 102
1. Vanitas vanitatum. Mit Humor.
2. Langsam
3. Nicht schnell, mit viel Ton zu spielen.
4. Nicht zu rasch
5. Stark und markiert

FRIEDRICH CERHA
Five Movements for Cello & Piano (2013)
I. Viertel = 120
II. Viertel = 50
III. „Toccatina" Viertel = 108
IV. Viertel = 48
V. Viertel = 132

JOHANNES BRAHMS
Sonata in D major, Op. 78 for Cello & Piano (arr. P. Klengel)
1. Vivace ma non troppo
2. Adagio - piú Andante
3. Allegro molto moderato