Pablo Ferrández emerged from a musical family in Madrid to become one of Spain’s most recognised cellists, blending a rigorous performance schedule with a knack for collaborations. Since winning the Sony Music Prize at age 19, he has tackled works from Schumann to Shostakovich while sharing stages with artists and orchestras from across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Pablo Ferrández
Ferrández represents a rare combination of technical mastery and interpretive depth, and his ability to effortlessly shift between delicate lyricism and commanding power has earned him high praise from critics and audiences alike. Known for breathing fresh life into canonical works, his extensive collaborations have showcased a maturity beyond his years. To celebrate his birthday on 19 March, let us listen to some of his most iconic recordings and performances.
Pablo Ferrández Performs Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3, “Sarabande”
Dvořák Cello Concerto
Pablo Ferrández has a growing discography that showcases his technical brilliance and interpretive depth. While he is still early in his recording career, his releases have already made a significant mark in the classical music world. His debut recording with the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra under Radoslaw Szulc featured a highly-praised Dvořák Cello Concerto.
His rendition was lauded for its emotional intensity and fresh take on a cornerstone of the cello repertoire, with critics noting his “huge emotion” and “light, free interpretation.” Ferrández draws a remarkably rich and warm sound, particularly in the expansive lyrical passages. His tone is both robust and refined, without ever sounding forced. In fact, Ferrández perfectly navigates the versatility demanded from this concerto.
Pablo Ferrández Performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104
Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata
Pablo Ferrández’s recording of Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19, featured on his 2021 Sony Classical debut album “Reflections.” Performed alongside pianist Denis Kozhukhin, this rendition highlights Ferrández’s interpretive depth and technical prowess, cementing his reputation as a force in chamber music.
Ferrández delivers a dark and velvety sound that suits the sonata’s brooding intensity. Critics are lauding his interplay with Kozhukhin’s percussive piano part, which maintains a playful yet sardonic edge throughout. However, the “Andante “ is surely the standout with Ferrández leaning into the aching lyricism. His phrasing here is expansive yet intimate, drawing out Rachmaninoff’s signature melancholy without tipping into sentimentality.
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19 (Pablo Ferrández-Castro, cello; Denis Kozhukhin, piano)
Clara Schumann Piano Trio
Pablo Ferrández © Kristian Schuller
Staying with chamber music for a bit, Ferrández’s recording of Clara Schumann’s Piano Trio alongside violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and pianist Lambert Orkis on a 2022 Sony Classical release makes a compelling case for his chamber music artistry. Unlike his concerto work, Ferrández adapts seamlessly to a collaborative role, matching their intensity without stealing the focus.
Ferrández brings a modern clarity to Clara Schumann’s score, avoiding excessive Romantic indulgence while still tapping into its emotional core. BBC Music Magazine writes, “Ferrández’s cello anchors this trio with a rich, singing quality. His interplay is electric yet refined, and the ensemble breathes new life into this neglected gem.” This recording is a showcase of his chamber music finesse and a marker of his growing stature.
Clara Schumann: Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17 (Anne-Sophie Mutter, violin; Pablo Ferrández, cello; Lambert Orkis, piano)
Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations
Pablo Ferrández’s live performance of Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Elim Chan is a celebrated highlight of his career. Showcasing his virtuosity and interpretive flair, Ferrández received thunderous applause and cheers, with commentators suggesting that his “technique and soul are now in perfect harmony.”
Ferrández’s rendition is iconic for its blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned artistry. He brings fresh energy to a piece that is frequently played with heavier Romantic weight, yet his technical polish and emotional nuance already rivals other legendary performances. In addition, the performance has become an online sensation as he is now dubbed “a cello phenomenon.”
Pablo Ferrández Performs Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations
Casals “El cant dels Ocells”
Ferrández’s recording of Casals’s arrangement of “The Song of the Birds” is a poignant highlight of his career. This traditional Catalan Christmas lullaby, adapted for cello by the legendary Casals, carries deep cultural and emotional weight, and Ferrández’s rendition pays fitting homage to his Spanish heritage and the piece’s symbolic resonance.
Pablo Ferrández has emerged as a vital figure in contemporary classical music, bringing technical brilliance and interpretive freshness to the cello repertoire. His rapid rise, marked by prestigious awards, stellar collaborations, and a growing discography, positions him as a bridge between tradition and innovation, cementing his status as one of Spain’s most influential musical voices of his generation.
For more of the best in classical music, sign up for our E-Newsletter
