Henri Dutilleux is one of the most celebrated 20th-century French composers, whose relatively modest output has received colossal international acclaim. His music seems to be an extension of the ideas of the great French Impressionists, characterised by linearity, clear texture and logical compositional structure.

Dutilleux’s Cello concerto Tout un monde lointain… – one of the most important works in the 20th-century cello repertoire. The Concerto was composed between 1967 and 1970 for cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. Each movement is inspired by the poetry of the French symbolist poet Charles Baudelaire. Like many of Dutilleux’s works, this one has a dreamy surreal atmosphere with a masterful multi-layered orchestral texture. The opus showcases the influence of Debussy, Ravel and Messiaen evident in the composer’s unique creative voice.

The less frequently heard Concerto for cello and orchestra is performed by French cello virtuoso Xavier Phillips and the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro Victorien Vanoosten.

I. Énigme (Enigma): Very free and flexible

“… And in this strange and symbolic nature” (Poème XXVII)

II. Regard (Gaze): Extremely calm

“… the poison that flows

from your eyes, from your green eyes,

lakes in which my soul trembles and sees itself upside down” (from Le poison)

III. Houles (Surges): Wide and ample

“… You contain, sea of ebony, a dazzling dream

of sails, of rowers, of flames and of masts…” (from La chevelure)

IV. Miroirs (Mirrors): Slow and ecstatic

“… Our two hearts will be two large torches

that will reflect their double lights

in our two spirits, those twin mirrors…” (from La mort des amants)

V. Hymne (Hymn): Allegro

“Keep your dreams:

wise men do not have as beautiful ones as fools!” (from La voix)