Johann Stiastny: Works for Two Violoncellos, Vol. 3

Little is known about the cellist and composer Johann Stiastny, and what is known often contradicts itself. Likely born in Prague around 1764, František Jan Št’astný – also known as Jean Stiasny or Johann Stiastny – was part of a distinguished musical family and active across Europe. His Six Duos pour Deux Violoncelles, Op. 1 are dedicated to his brother Bernard, suggesting the two cellists performed them together. These duos showcase remarkable virtuosity and expressive depth, described in the 1920s as “among the better products of the older cello literature.” In this recording, Alexander Hülshoff and Martin Rummel breathe new life into these rarely heard gems.