Pierre Fontenelle & Cansu Şanlıdağ

Born in Halle, cellist and composer Adrien-François Servais is sometimes referred to as the “Paganini of the cello”. In the nineteenth century, he performed in cultural capitals such as Paris, London, Vienna, Berlin and Saint Petersburg, collaborated with Mendelssohn and earned the admiration of composers including Berlioz, Meyerbeer and Rossini. He also left behind a virtuoso body of work for cello. As part of Echoes of Brussels, Belgian cellist Pierre Fontenelle and pianist Cansu Şanlıdağ delve into Servais’ rich musical world. In the fantasy Souvenir de Spa, audiences will hear variations full of virtuosity and Romantic lyricism based on a simple theme. Wagner’s Prelude to Tristan und Isolde further heightens the tension, while Mendelssohn’s compelling Second Sonata for cello and piano allows Fontenelle to reveal the full richness of his playing.