Colla parte: Versioni per violoncello solo

Released in 1997 on the prestigious Winter & Winter label, Colla Parte is a definitive statement in the career of Dutch cellist Ernst Reijseger. The album's title, an Italian musical term meaning 'with the part', suggests a deep alignment between the performer and the inherent voice of the instrument. Recorded with a focus on natural acoustic resonance, the album showcases Reijseger's unique ability to bridge the gap between his rigorous classical training and his radical improvisational instincts. Unlike his more boisterous ensemble works, this solo outing is characterized by a 'sumptuous and occasionally wry' atmosphere, as noted by critics like Bill Shoemaker. It features a mix of formal structures (Ricercare, Toccata) and highly personal, idiosyncratic pieces that utilize extended techniques, including percussive strikes on the cello body. The record is a cornerstone of late-90s creative music, synthesizing European chamber traditions with a global, improvisational spirit.