‘I began to ask myself lots of questions – How did David Tecchler end up settling in Rome, who was he making cellos for, and how did this cello come into my hands? What is my journey and role as a cellist in the 21st century? I decided to mark this anniversary by commissioning three works as gifts for the cello by celebrated British composers David Matthews, Mark Simpson and Charlotte Bray. Guy now plays a 1714 Tecchler cello, and in its third centenary he set out to celebrate the life of the instrument and its creator, commissioning a number of new works. He went on to achieve early success through the BBC Young Musician of the Year title, the Guilhemina Suggia Gift, the Shell London Symphony Orchestra Gerald MacDonald Award, as well as receiving a Classical Brit Award at the Royal Albert Hall. He began his musical journey as a chorister by joining his brothers in the world-renowned Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, under the tutelage of Stephen Cleobury. One of the most exciting and versatile British cellists of his generation, Guy Johnston was born into an artistic family. “Guy Johnston’s playing is searchingly beautiful…” BBC Music Magazine
Features The Choir of King’s College Cambridge and Guy Johnston, recorded in King’s College Chapel.
Also available as a free download when pre-ordering the album. Ola Gjeilo’s stunningly beautiful Serenity (O Magnum Mysterium) from the album Tecchler’s Cello: from Cambridge to Rome available to download as a single.