Hometown: Montréal, Quebec
Today, the five-string cello (an extra string tuned to “E”, a fifth above the “A” string) is treated as an exotic and rarely-played cousin of the standard cello. Its concert hall appearances are usually limited to serving particular obbligato cantata movements of J.S. Bach, and to “historically informed” renditions of Bach‘s famous Sixth unaccompanied Cello Suite (BWV 1012). “Berlin Sonatas” presents cellist Elinor Frey and Lorenzo Ghielmi at the fortepiano in a recital of 18th century chamber pieces that reveals the greater possibilities and benefits the use of the five-string cello holds for today’s cellists. Fascinated with the cello’s origins and the creative process of new music, Elinor Frey plays both period and modern instruments. La voce del violoncello, her debut Passacaille release, was praised for its “careful scholarship and brilliant layering of moods and tempos” (Toronto Star) and for the “honest, reflective beauty of her music making (Strings).”