Suite catalana per a dotze violoncels

Juli Sandaran was a lover of music in general and, particularly, of cello. I first met him after he retired. With his characteristic enthusiasm, he had decided to study cello and asked me to teach him.
Then, some of my pupils and I had a cello ensemble - the Violoncel·listes de Barcelona. For us, he composed a Suite catalana per a dotze violoncels (Catalan Suite for 12 Cellos), which we premiered at the patio in La Pedrera,
and which we later played far and wide. The eight movements of this work wisely combine authentically rhythmic moments with greatly inspired melodies. Although it was written for twelve cellos, all but the second movement - Balada - may be played by four. A four voice arrangement of this movement has been added to allow a complete four instruments performance. It is a work inspired in Catalan folk music, with an influence from jazz.

Lluís Claret.