Folklore takes the listener on a musical journey throughout 19th and 20th century France, Georgia, Hungary and Spain. Through different styles and soundscapes, the compositions are united by the spirit of folk traditions and national character, as well as personal memories of the performers – Swiss-French cellist Christoph Croise and Georgian pianist Ana Bakradze. Works originally conceived for their instrumental combination sit alongside transcriptions that fit their sound world like a glove, a testament to the popularity of all the music on this album.Siete Canciones populares Espaolas, a set of seven traditional Spanish songs by Manuel de Falla, is his most-arranged composition and among his most popular. Bela Bartok’s Six Romanian Folk Dances, originally composed for solo piano, were drawn from melodies the composer recorded of folk musicians singing in the countryside of his Hungarian homeland. Hungarian influences infuse Pablo de Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), originally scored for violin and orchestra. Sulkhan Tsintsadze’s Five Pieces on Georgian Folk Themes evoke childhood memories for pianist Ana, especially the fourth, a lullaby that her mother used to sing to her.The most substantial work on the album, Robert Schumann’s Funf Stucke i’m Volkston (Five Pieces in Folk Style) conjures the harmonies and rhythms of folk music.French national character imbues Nadia Boulanger’s Trois pices (Three Pieces) and works by her teacher Gabriel Faure: his elegant Sicilienne – originally penned for orchestra but frequently adapted for cello and piano – and his ever-popular miniature ‘Aprs un rve’ (After a dream) from his Trois Melodies (Three Melodies).When asked about their own connections to this music and what they wish for the listener, Christoph and Ana agree, “Above all, joy! We share a love for the roots in these pieces and the inspiration they provided to the composers. For this album, we’ve selected our favourite miniatures. Some are well known, others are more personal, but they all connect to the spirit of folk traditions in some way. It’s about the lasting pleasure of connecting through music we love.”

Tracklist:

1. Suite Populaire Espagnole After 7 Canciones Populares Espaolas-No. 1 El Pano Moruno
2. Suite Populaire Espagnole After 7 Canciones Populares Espaolas-No. 2 Nana
3. Suite Populaire Espagnole After 7 Canciones Populares Espaolas-No. 3 Cancin
4. Suite Populaire Espagnole After 7 Canciones Populares Espaolas-No. 4 Polo
5. Suite Populaire Espagnole After 7 Canciones Populares Espaolas-No. 5 Asturiana
6. Suite Populaire Espagnole After 7 Canciones Populares Espaolas-No. 6 Jota
7. Romanian Folk Dances SZ. 56-I. Jocul Cu BTA
8. Romanian Folk Dances SZ. 56-II. Brul
9. Romanian Folk Dances SZ. 56-III. Pe Loc
10. Romanian Folk Dances SZ. 56-IV. Bubiumeana
11. Romanian Folk Dances SZ. 56-V. Poarga Romneasca
12. Romanian Folk Dances SZ. 56-VI. Maruntel
13. 5 Pieces on Georgian Folk Themes-I. Urmuli
14. 5 Pieces on Georgian Folk Themes-II. Chonguri
15. 5 Pieces on Georgian Folk Themes-III. Sachidao
16. 5 Pieces on Georgian Folk Themes-IV. Nana
17. 5 Pieces on Georgian Folk Themes-V. Tsekva
18. 3 Pices Pour Violoncelle Et Piano-No. 1 Modr
19. 3 Pices Pour Violoncelle Et Piano-No. 2 Sans Vitesse Et L’aise
20. 3 Pices Pour Violoncelle Et Piano-No. 3 Vite Et Nerveusement Rythm
21. 5 Stcke Im Volkston Op. 102-I. Vanitas Vanitatum: Mit Humor
22. 5 Stcke Im Volkston Op. 102-II. Langsam
23. 5 Stcke Im Volkston Op. 102-III. Nicht Schnell, Mit Viel Ton Zu Spielen
24. 5 Stcke Im Volkston Op. 102-IV. Nicht Zu Rasch
25. 5 Stcke Im Volkston Op. 102-V. Stark Und Markiert
26. Zigeunerweisen Op. 20
27. Aprs Un Rve Op. 7 No. 1
28. Sicilienne Op. 78

UPC: 822252283723
Label: Avie
Release Date: 8.7.26
Format: CD