Ernst Reijseger (cello)

For some musicians, a career as a soloist is something they may plan towards the end of their career. It may be seen as a separate effort, a challenge to see whether one can manage to go it alone on a stage. Others however are born soloists. To be performing single is a pleasure for them, just playing unaccompanied is something natural. Ernst Reijseger belongs to this latter category.

Reijseger is one with his cello. The instrument sticks to his body and he uses it as a percussion instrument. He handles it as a flamenco guitar without gimmick but with a great sense of musicality which he controls to perfection. When Reijseger plays a cello sonata by Bach with the bow inverted he is not trying to be funny, though it can seem amusing or blasphemous. He does this because he thinks the sonata also sounds nice that way.

Besides being an inspired soloist, Ernst Reijseger is a great improviser. The melodies swirl through his head; when he switches from one technology to another, smooth musical lines are interspersed with fiery pizzicatos. His training as a classical cellist, came through lessons with Anner Bijlsma, one of the most accomplished cello players ever. This  allows him to deal with all those different worlds in a very creative way, much to the delight of listeners.