When Frying Pan Becomes Percussion in Cello Ensemble
Amidst the summer heat wave, the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic captivated the audience in Taiwan with their mesmerising performance, adding a delightful touch of whimsy by spotlighting a frying pan.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★★
Chang Chen-Chieh, a Taiwanese cellist who also served as the organiser of the concert, is surrounded by the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic. Image courtesy of Chang Chen-Chieh.
TAIPEI, Taiwan — It’s been quite some time since my last visit to the National Concert Hall in Taipei. The most recent occasion was for the New Year's Eve Concert in 2022 organised by Taiwan’s National Symphony Orchestra, featuring violinists Cho-Liang Lin and Nai-Yuan Hu. But recently, a concert by the esteemed 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic (“Die 12 Cellisten der Berliner Philharmoniker” in German) brought me back to the concert hall.
Believe it or not, the arrival of Berlin-based cello ensemble's remained a delightful secret until just a few weeks before the concert. Through sheer luck, I managed to secure two tickets — looking back, it seems serendipity was at play, as the event had already sold out by then.
As the night fell upon the concert hall, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air, captivating both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Curiosity enveloped the audience, for we had no inkling of the extraordinary musical journey that lay ahead of us — little did we know that we were about to embark on an experience of a lifetime.
Hailing from the esteemed Berlin Philharmonic, the 12 Cellists have earned a reputation for their unparalleled virtuosity. The show began with Julius Klengel's Hymnus, a piece that holds a special meaning for the ensemble, as it served as the catalyst for their founding back in 1972.
Throughout this two-hour concert, the ensemble delighted the spectators with a repertoire curated for their unique formation, featuring compositions that pushed the boundaries of what one might expect from a group of musicians playing the same instrument.
“The auditory rendition of dissonance and harmony within this composition left a profound impact on me, akin to witnessing a heated debate among real jurors right before my eyes."
Among the pieces played, one composition stood out to me: Twelve Angry Men by Brett Dean. Inspired by the black and white film of the same name, it painted a musical landscape of a jury deliberating the fate of a young murder suspect.
Each cellist assumed the role of a juror, expressing agreement, disagreement, and conflicting emotions through their instruments. The auditory rendition of dissonance and harmony within this composition left a profound impact on me, akin to witnessing a heated debate among real jurors right before my eyes.
From beloved chansons like "Fleurs de Paris" and "Sous le ciel de Paris" to mesmerising arrangements such as "The 12 in Bossa Nova," the ensemble pushed the boundaries of their craft, captivating our senses with their unique timbres and virtuoso techniques.
What made the performance even more special was when the ensemble played a selection of compositions by Astor Piazzolla, one of the world's foremost composers who revolutionised traditional tango into a new style known as “nuevo tango”. Rearranged for the ensemble, Piazzolla's compositions showcased the virtuosity of each cellist, seamlessly blending their artistry to create a rich tapestry of sound that enraptured the audience. I couldn’t help but be entranced by the interplay, fluidity, seamless coordination, and unwavering synergy in the notes they play.
In a encore piece dedicated to the audience in Taiwan, Ludwig Quandt, the ensemble’s principal cellist, transofrmed a frying pan into a percussion instrument. This unexpected addition infused the concert with an element of intrigue.
As the concert drew to a close, the audience erupted with applause, beckoning the ensemble for an encore. Much to the delight of all, the 12 Cellists returned to the stage, bringing with them a surprise for the audience: their rendition of the popular Taiwanese folksong "Ti Oh Oh" (meaning “Dark Sky”).
Before the ensemble began to play, their principal cellist, Ludwig Quandt, mischievously placed a frying pan at the centre of the stage. As the cellists skillfully interpreted the familiar melody, the hall was filled with sense of excitement. At one point during the performance, Quandt set aside his cello, stood up from his chair, and walked towards the pan. With three consecutive strikes, the frying pan produced a sound akin to the thunder heard in the original recording of the folksong.
In a delightful twist, the cellist had transformed a simple cooking utensil into an unexpected percussion instrument! The audience erupted into laughter, and I couldn't help but join in the infectious amusement brought about by Quandt's playful addition to the performance.
This amusing act is also captured in the ensemble's new album, specially presented to the audience in Taiwan. An homage to Taiwan's rich cultural heritage, this album showcases the cellists' renditions of some of the most beloved Taiwanese folksongs. These recordings stand as a testament to the extraordinary power of music in bridging cultures, serving as invaluable souvenirs for most audience. They symbolise the profound connection forged between the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic and the people of Taiwan.
The troupe’s distinctive formation and virtuosity elevate the art of cello ensemble to unparalleled heights. What — on the surface — seemed like 12 individual cellists playing the same instrument revealed itself as an awe-inspiring orchestral force brimming with diversity, showcasing the boundless possibilities of this single instrument.
As the lingering echoes of the cellists' final notes gradually subsided in the concert hall, I found myself, like many others in the audience, departing with a profound and renewed appreciation for the cello and the power that music has on the soul.
The 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic delighted the audience in Taiwan with a special gift — a new album featuring their exquisite cello renditions of some of Taiwan's most beloved folksongs. Image courtesy of Chang Chen-Chieh.
The 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic graced the stage of the National Concert Hall in Taipei City, Taiwan, on July 1 & 2, 2023, and, I had the privilege of attending their concert on the opening night.