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Beyond Limits

South African cellist, singer and composer Abel Selaocoe explores the infinite bounds of the cello, looking at the incredible range of sounds the instrument can make.

South African cellist, singer and composer Abel Selaocoe explores the infinite bounds of the cello, looking at the incredible range of sounds the instrument can make in the 21st century and beyond.

In this episode, Abel explains how the cello can be played in a huge number of different ways to go beyond its limits and sound almost unrecognisable. From Berio and Britten to Ernst Reijseger and Nan谩 Vasconcelos, Abel delves into the power of how the cello speaks to so many cultures around the globe today. With some incredible improvisations Abel demonstrates how he creates so many fascinating percussive sounds on the instrument, influenced by the Brazilian berimbau, South African uhadi and West African djembe. Abel moves from the beauty of Sir John Tavener to the searing electronics of Oliver Coates, ending with his own celebration of the cello's versatility.

59 minutes

Last on

Sun 17 Sep 2023 23:00

Music Played

  • Vincent Moon

    Collection Petites Planetes (Extract)

  • Luciano Berio

    Sequenza XIVb (version for bass)

    Performer: H氓kon Thelin.
  • John Tavener

    The Protecting Veil For Cello And String Orchestra

    Performer: Steven Isserlis. Conductor: Gennady Nikolayevich Rozhdestvensky. Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra.
  • BartolomeyBittmann

    Les Pauli

  • Benjamin Britten

    Sonata In C Major Op.65 For Cello And Piano, ii. Scherzo Pizzicato

    Performer: Johannes Moser. Performer: Paul Rivinius.
  • Benjamin Britten

    Sonata In C Major Op.65 For Cello And Piano, v. Moto Perpertuo

    Performer: Johannes Moser. Performer: Paul Rivinius.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 23 Jan 2022 23:00
  • Sun 17 Sep 2023 23:00