Matt Haimovitz's cello's 300th birthday (!) is the occasion for this recording of solo cello pieces, juxtaposing old pieces - Gabrielli's 7 Ricercari pieces, written in 1689 and anticipating if not inspiring Bach's Cello Suites written in 1717-1723 - and new pieces, most of them premiered in this album. Haimovitz's playing is brilliant and inspired, offering fresh interpretations of old pieces.
- Ruben

1*. [6:05] Same opening phrase (transposed) as Bach's Praeludium to his Suite No.2 in D minor!!
2*. [11:30] Opens with drumming patterns. Then drawn out melodies interspersed with quick runs and more drum patterns.
3*. [1:57] Polyphonic demonstration - alternatively playing on the low and the high strings.
4*. [7:20] Polychords. multiple sections with different characters. atonal.
5. [2:21] Sharp attacks. more animated.
6. [6:40] Lyrical. Calm. Explicit elements of twelve-tone composition.
7*. [4:14] Fast. Melodic. Echoes of Bach's 1st Partita for Violin
8*. [8:24] Free-form movement of contrasting materials. Overtones plays.
9*. [4:33] Gavotte rhythm (?)
10. [5:46] Plays with dissonance, overtones. Explore the sound possibilities of the instrument.
11. [3:43] Dance rhythm.
12. [8:26] Sparse. Free rhythm. No melodic development.
13. [2:14] Free form.