‘Belgian National Orchestra & González-Monjas’

Cellist Raphaela Gromes' playing is defined by her virtuosity and romanticism. These two qualities are ideal for Camille Saint-Saëns' cello concerto, written in a single movement and influenced by Franz Liszt. A decade later, the composer dedicated his Third s

ymphony to the recently-deceased Liszt. The clever use of keyboard instruments is particularly striking in this composition; in addition to the piano, which is played both two-handed and four-handed, the organ also fulfils a very important role. The orchestra composition Preludio, corale e fuga was presented by the Italian composer Ottorino Respighi for his finals at the Liceo Musicale di Bologna. The jury's opinion? “Respighi isn’t a student, he’s a maestro!”