Prokofiev Sonatas: Andreas Brantelid and Julien Quentin

We are set to hear two central pillars of the twentieth-century cello repertoire, composed by Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich. While both men were frequently commissioned to produce large-scale, public-facing symphonic works, these sonatas offer a glimpse into their more personal, chamber-music sensibilities. You will hear Prokofiev’s lyrical expansiveness, which combines a deep, singing quality in the lower registers of the cello with his characteristic rhythmic playfulness. This is contrasted by the Shostakovich sonata, a work that balances traditional classical structures with sudden shifts in mood, ranging from contemplative melodies to biting, sharp-edged movements. The evening is shaped as a dialogue between two distinct Soviet voices, highlighting the versatility of the cello as it moves from soulful introspection to high-energy technical displays. Listen for how the piano and cello interact as equal partners, often trading melodic themes or providing driving percussive support for one another throughout the two works.

Cellist Andreas Brantelid and pianist Julien Quentin join forces for this recital, appearing under the banner of the London Symphony Orchestra’s chamber series. The LSO is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading ensembles, based primarily at the Barbican but frequently presenting smaller-scale programmes at its home for music education and rehearsals. These performers are known for their technical precision and their ability to navigate the complex emotional landscapes of modern repertoire. Their collaboration brings together a wealth of experience in interpreting standard classics alongside the demanding chamber works of the mid-twentieth century.

This performance takes place at LSO St Luke’s in London, a converted church that provides a resonant and intimate acoustic for chamber music. The recital has a total running time of approximately 65 minutes without an interval, making it an ideal choice if you prefer a shorter evening or are visiting the venue for the first time. The setting is relatively informal, and there is no specific dress code required. As this is an instrumental concert rather than a staged opera, there are no surtitles or vocal parts to follow.