Fleur de Paris

"What the 12 Cellists do is simply marvelous" --Sir Simon Rattle The 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra return to their "French Roots" with their latest release Fleur de Paris. Since their formation in 1974, this unique and highlyacclaimed ensemble has excited audiences with their technical brilliance, popular arrangements, and beautiful ensemble sound. Fleur de Paris features arrangements of both beloved classical works, including Faur©'s Pavane, Ravel's Pavane pour une infante d©funte, Debussy's Clair de lune and Satie's Gymnop©dies Nos. 1 & 2, and popular French songs, including the signature song of French national treasure Edith Piaf, "La vie en rose." The release's central work, Poulenc's La figure humaine, was originally composed for two unaccompanied choirs of six voices. Based on eight poems by surrealist French poet Paul ‰luard, the last Libert©, was parachuted over German-occupied France during World War II by the Royal Airforce as a hymn of freedom. According to the 12 Cellists, "France produced many of the greatest cellists, including Pierre Fournier, Maurice Gendron and Paul Tortelier...When we were looking for music for our new CD, we found lots of pieces that -- even if they hadn't been originally written for our instrumental combination -- were wonderfully suited to the sound of 12 cellos."