Sounds like show of mutual respect

GERMAN-FRENCH cellist Nicolas Altstaedt and Serbian pianist Aleksandar Madzar will perform works by Debussy, Boulanger, Barber, Shostakovich and Australian composer Jakub Jankowski in Hobart on Monday.

Altstaedt said he enjoyed performing with Madzar.

“We have the same approach, musical language and a mutual respect for the pieces we play” he said. “He is a brilliant player.”

At next week’s Hobart concert, the program will begin with Debussy’s Cello Sonata.

“It is a late work and it is perfection,” Altstaedt said.

“Everything is in there. It opens the world to the 20th century.”

They will also perform Nadia Boulanger’s Three Pieces for Cello and Piano, which is one of Altstaedt’s favourite works.

“I absolutely adore them,” he said.

“They are three wonderful contrasting jewels. The first is very French and impressionistic, the second is a beautiful canon, and the third is light and virtuosic.”

The program will also feature Barber’s Cello Sonata Opus 6.

“I haven’t played it before, so I really wanted to do it,” Altstaedt said.

“The Shostakovich Cello Sonata Opusv40 is also a great piece.

“It has a rich, melancholic first movement, the second is the climax or centre of the piece, the third is dense, and the fourth has many different layers.

“It is virtuosic, sarcastic and ironic.”

Altstaedt is particularly looking forward to performing Jankowski’s new work, Aspects of Return, which he and Madzar premiered last week.

“It’s a great piece by someone who really knows what he wants,” Altstaedt said.

“It’s very well written for both instruments.

“The first movement is mystic with wonderful use of overtones.

“The second is a fantastic flowing nocturne, and the third is virtuosic and possibly inspired by Bartok.”

Musica Viva Tasmania presents Nicolas Altstaedt and Aleksandar Madzar in concert at Hobart Town Hall from 8pm on Monday. Tickets start at $70, phone 6233 2299 or go to www.theatreroyal.com.au for bookings.