Lost in Plain Sight: Gaspar Cassadó’s Iberian Legacy

Instituto Cervantes presents at the stunning St Anns Church a recital on the work of Spanish cellist and composer Gaspar Cassadó (1897-1966). Regarded as one of the top cellists of the 20th century whose work continues to be played worldwide, his name and history remain mostly forgotten in Spain and abroad. An early advocate for the modern cello, he played an active role in trying to expand the repertoire for cellists, composing and collaborating with composers of his time like Luigi Dallapiccola (1904-75) who dedicated a concerto to him. Today, his name remains connected to that of his world-famous teacher, Pablo Casals (1876-1973), and fraught by the complicated legacy of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Cassadó's significance in cello performance and composition deserve a new look as his works reflect important musical trends in pre-war Europe regarding the concept of a regional or national sound.

As part of a research project to recover his legacy while examining of what could be identified or understood as a Spanish sound in 20th century classical music, the recital presents a combination of lecture with Profesor H. Rosi Song and performance with Rachelle Hunt (violinist), Katie Tertell (cellist) and Nami Ejiri (pianist), where the audience is invited to learn about the life and work of Cassadó in conversation with the work of other composers.

This event, part of an international cultural project, is made possible by a Research Impact grant from Durham University, and the support and collaboration of Instituto Cervantes Manchester.