Various Composers - Paganini Variations (Kian Soltani; Pablo Ferrández)

Information

• Kian Soltani - Variations on a Theme by Paganini for 2 Cellos
• Alfredo Piatti - Serenade for 2 Cellos
• Dmitri Shostakovich - 5 Pieces for 2 Violins & Piano: No. 1, Prelude (arr. Atovmyan)
• Jean-Baptiste Barrière - 6 Cello Sonatas, Book 4, No. 4 in G Major: III. Allegro prestissimo

Kian Soltani, cello

Pablo Ferrández, cello

Julien Quentin, piano (3)

Date: 2026

Label: Deutsche Grammophon (DG)

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On their EP Paganini Variations, cellists Kian Soltani and Pablo Ferrández unite to showcase the cello’s rich expressive range through four characterful miniatures. Drawing on a deep artistic synergy forged at the Kronberg Academy, the duo delivers a diverse program spanning the lyrical elegance of Carlo Alfredo Piatti, the emotional intensity of Dmitri Shostakovich, and the baroque energy of Jean-Baptiste Barrière. At the core of the release is Soltani’s virtuosic reimagining of Paganini’s 24th Caprice. Together, Soltani and Ferrández combine technical brilliance and tonal refinement, demonstrating their shared musical presence and the extraordinary versatility of their instrument.

Born in Austria in 1992 to a family of Persian musicians, acclaimed cellist Kian Soltani began his training at age four, later studying under Ivan Monighetti and at the Kronberg Academy. After winning the 2013 Paulo Cello Competition, he launched an illustrious international career, performing with premier orchestras like the Staatskapelle Berlin and the Munich Philharmonic. An exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist since 2017, Soltani's award-winning discography includes Home, Cello Unlimited, and Schumann recordings. He performs on the prestigious “London, ex Boccherini” Antonio Stradivari cello, cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile and brilliant cellists of his generation.

Born in Madrid in 1991 into a family of musicians, cellist Pablo Ferrández studied at the Reina Sofía School of Music and the Kronberg Academy before becoming an Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation scholar. He has established a distinguished international career, performing with premier global orchestras, renowned conductors, and prestigious chamber ensembles like the Flamel Trio. A frequent guest at major international festivals, including the Verbier and Kronberg festivals, Ferrández is notably the first Spanish cellist loaned the historic 1696 "Lord Aylesford" Stradivarius by the Nippon Music Foundation, selected by a distinguished jury chaired by Lorin Maazel.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz