Page 547 - Media Coverage Book - 75th Aldeburgh Festival 2024
P. 547
It goes without saying that Debussy’s Cello Sonata in D minor is on the same list of greats
as Britten’s, but one would be foolhardy to attempt any ranking. The reading by Gerhardt
and Osborne vividly dramatized the extraordinary energy and passion with which the piece
is imbued. Here indeed, in the Sérénade, was Pierrot moonstruck and forlorn, resignedly
strumming his guitar and singing his heart out.
At the original concert Peter Pears sang the second encore – an aria from Bach’s Cantata
41, Woferne du den edlen Frieden, the text of which speaks of being blessed, hallowed and
chosen. Here, Gerhardt and Osborne were joined by Ian Bostridge for a memorable closing
of a recital that long will live in the memory.
Christopher’s accommodation was funded by Britten Pears Arts.
