In September 1997 cellist Georg Mertens gave a series of 4 concerts of the Suites for solo cello by J.S.Bach in the Cathedral Chamber of the Jenolan Caves in Australia, a World Heritage listed complex of limestone caves. This chamber is said to be the space with the purest acoustics in the world, offering also a great atmosphere and beauty.
The concerts proved so spectacular, that from January 1999 they turned into a regular monthly event, this time with an extended program of medieval to Romantic music and compositions written especially for the acoustics of the Cathedral Chamber.
Concerts continue to today, thousands of visitors from all over the world came to witness the magnificent experience in this exceptional place.
This CD was recorded in the Cathedral Chamber in July 2000 and covers a cross section of the performances: at least one movement of each of the 6 suites by J.S.Bach, two haunting medieval tunes, "Nana" and "Poor maiden me", Rachmaninov's Romantic "Vocalise" and two works written for the Cathedral Cave: "Fantasy on Cathedral Cave" and the popular "Jenolan Ciaconna".
Cello concerts are held on every 3d Saturday of the month in 2006.
(Please see also the CD "Blue Mountains Gypsies" with the "Paganini Duo". The Paganini Duo performs regular concerts at Jenolan Caves on every fourth Saturday of the month).
Please find program details on the linked website.
Short biography:
Born in Aachen, Germany. Studied at the Musikhochschule Freiburg with Marcal Cervera and Christof Henkel. Received a scholarship to the masterclass with Enrico Mainardi, later masterclass with Janos Starker. Concerts in Paris, Geneva, Zurich, Berlin, Cologne, Brussels, tours of France, Sweden, several tours of Germany & Australia.
In Australia recording of the complete 6 Suites for cello solo by J.S.Bach in 1993. Also recordings of Solo suites by Britten, Brahms Sonata e min.
Performed Schubert's Sonata for Arpeggione to the 20 year celebration of 2 MBS FM.
Georg teaches cello and classical guitar in Katoomba, Mudgee and the Conservatoriums of Bathurst and Penrith.
More of Georg's compositions are recorded on the CD - Sounds of Timber.
You can hear Georg playing cello also on the CD's: "Music for Grand Dining" with the Blue Mountains Trio, "Blue Mountains Gypsies" with the Paganini Duo and "Sounds of Timber" together with Jodie Goldney.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.georgcello.comTrack List:
1. J.S.Bach Suite I - Prelude
2. - Menuet 1 & 2
3. G.Mertens-Moussa - Jenolan Ciaconna
4. J.S.Bach Suite II - Prelude
5. - Sarabande
6. - Menuet 1 & 2
7. G.Mertens - Moussa - Fantasy on Cathedral Cave
8. J.S.Bach Suite III - Prelude
9. - Bourree 1 & 2
10. S.Rachmaninov - Vocalise
11. J.S.Bach Suite IV - Prelude
12. Suite V - Allemande
13. M.de Falla - Nana
14. J.S.Bach Suite VI - Prelude
15. M.Forster - Poor Maiden Me
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