Cellist Alisa Weilerstein, born on 14 April 1982 in Rochester, New York, was immersed in the world of classical music from an early age. She started cello lessons at four and played her professional debut at the age of 13.
Alisa Weilerstein
In 2011, she was named a MacArthur Fellow, a prestigious “genius grant” recognising her extraordinary creativity and interpretive depth. Weilerstein brings a visceral and personal connection to her performances, with the New York Times writing, she is “not content merely to serve as a vessel for the composer’s wishes, but instead infusing each piece with her own distinctive voice.”
To celebrate her birthday on 14 April, let us sample some of her most iconic recordings and performances.
Alisa Weilerstein Performs Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3, “Gigue”
Elgar Cello Concerto
Released in 2012 by Decca, Alisa Weilerstein’s recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto paired with the Elliott Carter Concerto, showcases her as a leading interpreter of one of the most iconic works in the cello repertoire. It immediately earned significant critical acclaim, including the prestigious title of “Recording of the Year 2013” by BBC Music Magazine.
Weilerstein’s recording is specifically notable for its balance of introspection and intensity. She brings a profound sense of melancholy to the famous opening movement, while infusing the lyrical Adagio with a tender, almost vocal quality. Critics described her performance as “intimate and expansive” and her partnership with Barenboim was called “a meeting of minds.”
Edward Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 (Alisa Weilerstein, cello; Berlin Staatskapelle; Daniel Barenboim, cond.)
Haydn Cello Concertos
Alisa Weilerstein’s recording of the Haydn cello concertos is a vibrant and critically acclaimed contribution to her discography. It showcases her dual role as soloist and director, as she also leads the Trondheim Soloists. The recording captures her spirited and nuanced approach to Haydn’s elegant classical works.
Blending historical sensitivity with a fresh and modern perspective, the recording garnered widespread praise. Gramophone described it as “a delight from start to finish,” while The Strad praised her “vivacious phrasing and crystalline tone, balancing classical poise with a modern sensibility.”
Franz Joseph Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major (Alisa Weilerstein, cello; Trondheim Soloists)
Beethoven Cello Sonatas
Pairing with her longtime recital partner, pianist Inon Barnatan, Weilerstein’s recording of Beethoven’s complete cello sonatas was released in 2022 by Pentatone. Weilerstein’s 1723 Montagnana cello delivers a warm and singing tone, complemented by Barnatan’s nuanced pianism. Their interplay is marked by precise balance and a narrative arc, lending an intimate, almost confessional quality to the performances.
The album was widely praised, highlighting “Weilerstein’s generous warmth and Barnatan’s delicate malleability.” The project was initially planned to coincide with Beethoven’s 250th anniversary in 2020, but the pandemic shifted its focus. Weilerstein has described it as “an immensely rewarding experience amid a fragile and chaotic time.”
Ludwig van Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Major, Op. 69 (Alisa Weilerstein, cello; Inon Barnatan, piano)
Shostakovich Cello Concertos
Alisa Weilerstein’s recording of Shostakovich’s two cello concertos with Pablo Heras-Casado and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra produced an album that blends her technical brilliance with the music’s visceral storytelling.
Both concertos were written for Mstislav Rostropovich, whom Weilerstein met and played for. As such, her interpretation draws on this personal connection, and her “extremely accomplished playing” was hailed as “mesmerising.” This album is a triumph of Weilerstein’s artistry, showcasing technical brilliance to relate one of the finest interpretations of these 20th-century masterpieces.
Dmitry Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1, Op. 107 (Alisa Weilerstein, cello; Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra; Pablo Heras-Casado, cond.)
Dvořák Cello Concerto
Considered a leading interpreter of the Dvořák Cello Concerto, Alisa Weilerstein has produced a highlight recording with Decca in 2013. However, she has also performed the concerto extensively in live settings, making it a cornerstone of her repertoire.
Gramophone praised her “commanding presence and searching musicianship,” while The Guardian lauded her “luminous tone and the natural flow.” Weilerstein’s Dvořák combines technical brilliance with a deeply felt narrative, making her recording and live performances enduring contributions to the work’s legacy, which are both distinct yet respectful of its storied past.
Alisa Weilerstein’s journey as a cellist is a testament to her boundless artistry and fearless innovation, cementing her place as a transformative figure in classical music. As she continues to push boundaries with projects like FRAGMENTS and collaborations that span continents, Weilerstein remains a dynamic force that bridges tradition and the future.
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