While only a handful of masterpieces constitute the crown jewels of literature for the cello, many worthy compositions of a smaller scope comprise the lesser gems and are often included on recital programs for variety and enrichment. This recording presents a wide range of these compositions, some of which are transcriptions, which add breadth to the standard available literature. From the baroque works of Couperin and Handel to the meditative works of Ernest Bloch and Arvo Pärt to the irresistible tango of Ástor Piazzolla, these works add variety, grace and beauty to the cellist’s concert fare.
ASHLEY SANDOR SIDON has performed solo recitals nationally and internationally. While teaching at Shanghai Conservatory of Music for several years, Dr. Sidon toured Southeast Asia to present recitals and master classes at provincial cultural centers, music schools and other concert venues, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, and throughout China. She has performed at college campuses such as the Crane School of Music, Miami University, University of Tennessee, and University of Minnesota and has presented clinics at College Music Society Southeast Convention, Music Educator's National Conference (MENC) Southeast Convention and MENC National Conference. Dr. Sidon has performed under esteemed conductors such as Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez and Michael Tilson Thomas, as well as in master classes for Bernard Greenhouse, Desmond Hoebig, Michael Strauss, Richard Aaron, Sandra Rivers, Peter Ouindjin, James Tocco and the Tokyo String Quartet. Dr. Sidon’s research document titled "Lineage and Comparison of Versions of Igor Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne" was published by the Hawaii International Conference on the Arts (2004). She holds the degree, Doctorate of Musical Arts in Violoncello, from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where her principal teacher was the internationally acclaimed cellist, Yehuda Hanani. Currently, she is Assistant Professor of Cello at Drake University. During the summer months, she is on the artist-faculty of the New England Music Camp in Maine. Ashley Sandor Sidon plays on a 1789 Antonio Gagliano.
Nicholas Roth, has won first prizes in international competitions in the USA and Europe. Hailed by the Indianapolis News as "a world of talent, displaying lyrical beauty, percussive driving power never out of control, and never without security and assurance," he began formal studies at age twelve, and received critical acclaim for his appearances by age eighteen. He appeared as soloist with the St. Louis Symphony, and the Indianapolis Symphony under Raymond Leppard. Roth is featured regularly in recital series and festivals throughout the United States, Mexico, Germany, and Spain. His solo recordings with the Blue Griffin Recording label have garnered enthusiastic reviews in Gramophone, International Record Review, Fanfare and the American Record Guide. Currently, Mr. Roth is a piano professor at Drake University.
A native of Massachusetts, Dr. Luis Millán maintains an active career as a guitarist, conductor and educator. As a guitarist, Dr. Millán has concertized across this country and given five tours in Spain which have included solo recitals at the Palacio de Viana in Cordoba, concerts on public television and radio, and duo recitals with his father, Spanish poet Rafael Millán. Currently, he is Assistant Professor of Music at The University of Montana where he is the Director of Orchestras, and teaches guitar, music theory and conducting. He received his musical training at Saint Olaf College as well as Michigan State University, where he received masters and doctorate degrees in orchestral conducting. Before moving to Montana, Dr. Millán taught at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas and served as Director of Arts Education Programs at Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University. He also conducted youth symphonies in Jackson and Saginaw, Michigan and in Topeka, Kansas, and directed opera companies in Lansing, Michigan. He has taught at the New England Music Camp.