Sol Gabetta

A woman playing the cello? Scandalous! At least that was the opinion in the mid-19th century, when Lise Cristiani began her extraordinary career. Sol Gabetta sets out in search of clues and follows in the musical footsteps of her courageous predecessor.

It goes without saying that Mendelssohn's famous »Lied ohne Worte« (Song Without Words) Op. 109 is a must in this programme – after all, it is dedicated to Lise Cristiani and is the only work of its kind written for the cello. Cellists such as Sol Gabetta owe yet another achievement to this innovative pioneer: she was one of the first to perform with an instrument that could be fixed to the floor using the now standard endpin, allowing the soloist greater freedom of movement and the ability to wear full skirts. The stage is set for women on the cello!