Like gazing into a kaleidoscope, this double-CD album brings a treasure-trove of musical miniatures tracing the sweeping panorama and historic perspective of 10 centuries. A mirage-like journey through 1000 years - from the 11th Century until present day - introduces evanescent encounters with a dizzying array of epochs, genres and styles: from otherworldly chants half-whispered beyond ancient monastery walls, to the traditions of Indian Raga, Bulgarian folk tunes and Mongolian throat-singing, to rustic bagpipes and medieval troubadours, to the Baroque splendor of Bach, Handel and Rameau, to Mozart and Schubert, to Italian and French opera, flamenco and tango, jazz and blues, Stravinsky and Shostakovich, Piazzolla, Duke Ellington, Erroll Garner and David Bowie. This charismatic retrospective is a fascinating collection, brimming with world-premiere recordings (50 out of 51 tracks) and presenting a stunning variety of compositions - some original, some arranged by the performing artists - violinist Elmira Darvarova (first and to date still only ever, woman-concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra) and hornist Howard Wall (a former long-time member of two of the world's greatest orchestras - the New York Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra). 17 nations from 5 continents are represented, including by ten women composers (one of whom composed operas in the 17th C. and had her works performed for the likes of Galileo). The meticulous album notes cover the multi-dimensional, serendipitous and cross-pollinating nature of essential events and legacies, which endure and continue to fascinate and transport us.

Are 'hits' exclusively associated with modern pop music? Popular successes have roots much deeper in the history of music, spanning various genres and contexts, including music created and shared in private settings, such as homes, as well as in street performances. Certain compositions' extraordinary popularity is attested by widely distributed, copied, and repeatedly republished scores. The innumerable arrangements for other instruments also attest to the extent of the phenomenon. Following the success of their 2002 album Dvorak (LDV101), and once again in association with the Czech instrumental arranger Jiri Kabat, the Talich Quartet invites us to explore Mitteleuropa's folk repertoire. An invitation to dance. Irresistible!

The debut album Pangea by violinist Lea Bruckner combines the idea of expanding and illuminating the musical diversity of classical music. The selection of works takes the listener on a journey through 9 countries, musical styles such as impressionism, minimalism and jazz influences as well as the influence of folklore on composers. In addition to well-known names such as Maurice Ravel, Arvo Part and Bartok, there are also names such as Aleksey Igudesman with his perfomative Flamenco Fantasy, the Polish composer Grazyna Bacewicz Coleridge Taylor Perkinson and William Kroll. Another highlight is the famous Melody by Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk. Lea Bruckner will be accompanied by Tamilla Guliyeva and Gabor Ladanyi.

Carpathian Tales is a project of the artist's heart that has been formed over two years. It represents a musical dedication to her second home Romania - full of personal stories and compositions that capture the spirit of the country and paint a multi-faceted picture of the Carpathians. Each piece is accompanied by it's own story. All works combine the unmistakable energy of folk themes, pure emotionality and show a varied spectrum from melancholy to dancing virtuosity. These are special arrangements and first recordings that come together on this album. For this album, Lelie Cristea also went in search of works that would be equal in beauty and character to the pieces by Enescu and Porumbescu. She herself was surprised by the musical treasures she found and her expectations were far exceeded. All the works are united by their expressive character, which is characterised by folk themes and a wide spectrum of colours. Sensual ballads give way to virtuoso character pieces that joyfully invite you to dance. What always attracts one almost magically is the emotional depth of the compositions. It is up to the performer and, of course, the listener to allow this completely and to immerse themselves in the respective work. Then the pulse of the works begins to connect with your own, and the journey begins. With Carpathian Tales and further planned concept albums, Lelie Cristea fulfils her wish to record and capture special works from classical, film and salon music in exclusive arrangements.