In 2020, the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra and the Kaunas State Choir, under the direction of Modestas Pitrenas, came together at the National Philharmonic Hall in Vilnius for a remarkable recording of Amilcare Ponchielli's opera I Lituani. This project marks the first professional recording of this work, highlighting Ponchielli's significant contribution to 19th-century Italian opera and connecting deeply with Lithuanian heritage. Drawing inspiration from Adam Mickiewicz's poem Konrad Wallenrod, the opera tells the story of medieval Lithuania's resistance against the Teutonic Knights, exploring themes of freedom, national identity, and sacrifice. Ponchielli's rich orchestration and Ghislanzoni's powerful libretto create a dramatic musical experience that has now been captured with vibrant vocal performances and exquisite orchestration in this new recording. I Lituani, which premiered at La Scala in 1874, has long been recognized for it's beautiful melodies and emotional depth. This recording revives a significant yet often overlooked masterpiece of Italian opera, offering a fresh perspective on Ponchielli's profound musical and dramatic vision. Recorded at Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society Vilnius, September 2020

The album SZINERGIA celebrates the interconnectedness of composers who, despite leading different lives, found common ground in the dance rhythms and folk traditions that inspired their music. At the heart of this album is Karl Amadeus Hartmann's Kammerkonzert for clarinet, string quartet, and string orchestra, a poignant homage to Zolt�n Kod�ly. Hartmann's work epitomizes the synergy of musical ideas, blending the spirit of Hungarian folk music with a modern, introspective voice. Zolt�n Kod�ly's K�ll� Double Dance and Epigrams Nos. 3 & 6 showcase his profound connection to Hungarian traditions. These pieces, reimagined through contemporary arrangements, reveal the timeless nature and the vibrant energy of his melodies. L�o Weiner's Divertimento No. 1 "Old Hungarian Dances" adds a nostalgic yet lively dimension to the album. The expert arrangements by Lajos S�rk�zy and Istv�n V�rdai breathe new life into these classic dances, highlighting the enduring appeal of Hungarian folk music. Paco de Luc�a's Callej�n del Muro brings a touch of Andalusian passion to the collection. Pablo Barrag�n's arrangement seamlessly integrates the fiery flamenco rhythms into the album's narrative, illustrating the universal language of dance that transcends cultural boundaries. B�la Bart�k's Romanian Folk Dances, arranged for clarinet, cimbalom, and strings by Jonas Dominique in dedication to Swedish clarinetist Martin Fr�st, further enriches the album's tapestry. Bart�k's dedication to preserving folk music traditions shines through in these lively, evocative dances, demonstrating his deep connection to the musical heritage of Eastern Europe. Performed by clarinetist Pablo Barrag�n, the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra under the musical direction of Istv�n V�rdai, and the S�rk�zy Trio, SZINERGIA presents a rich, multifaceted soundscape. Each piece highlights the unique voice of it's composer while uncovering the profound connections that link them. SZINERGIA is a celebration of the unity found in diversity. Through the lively rhythms and evocative melodies, listeners are invited to experience the harmonious dance of parallel lives, bound together by the shared threads of musical inspiration.

J. S. Bach The English Suites BWV 806-811 Zhu Xiao-Mei piano After a six-year hiatus, acclaimed pianist Zhu Xiao-Mei returns with a deeply personal and masterful recording of J.S. Bach's English Suites. This release completes her heartfelt journey through Bach's piano compositions, marking another significant milestone in her extraordinary career. This project is the culmination of years of meticulous preparation and an intimate relationship with the music. Zhu Xiao-Mei's approach is characterized by a profound connection to each piece, allowing her to bring out the subtleties and nuances that make Bach's work so timeless. Her dedication to living with the music day-by-day ensures a performance that is both authentic and deeply resonant. J. S. Bach The English Suites BWV 806-811 CD 1 1-7 8-17 18-24 CD 2 1-7 8-14 15-22 Available worldwide English Suite No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808 English Suite No. 1 in A major, BWV 806 English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807 English Suite No. 5 in E minor, BWV 810 English Suite No. 4 in F major, BWV 809 English Suite No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811 The English Suites, with their blend of lively orchestral and delicate intimate moments, have a special place in Zhu XiaoMei's heart. She describes them as "a music of intimacy," making this recording particularly unique. Despite the challenges, including pandemic-related delays and finding the perfect piano, her dedication to authenticity shines through in every note. Zhu Xiao-Mei's insightful and sensitive performance invites you into a world of subtlety and depth, offering a refreshing contrast to today's fast-paced musical landscape. This album is not just a completion of her Bach recordings but a milestone that underscores her exceptional artistry and unwavering devotion to Bach's timeless music.

Immerse yourself in the enigmatic beauty of Alexander Scriabin's complete piano sonatas, masterfully interpreted by the renowned pianist Yunjie Chen. This new album offers a profound journey through the introspective and mysterious soundscapes that have captivated audiences for over a century. Scriabin's sonatas, often described as "mysterious and lovely," provide an unparalleled canvas for personal and intimate expression. Yunjie Chen’s nuanced performance brings these unique pieces to life, allowing listeners to explore the deep emotional currents and the profound philosophical questions inherent in the music. Yunjie Chen’s deep connection with Scriabin's works is evident in every note, and his ability to convey the complex textures and ethereal beauty of the sonatas is extraordinary. Each performance is an invitation to a world where music transcends the ordinary, embodying Scriabin’s mystical and theosophical visions. This album is not just a collection of sonatas; it is a transformative experience. Yunjie Chen's thoughtful interpretations highlight the technical brilliance and emotional depth of Scriabin’s compositions, offering a fresh perspective on these rarely performed masterpieces.

REVIEW:

These are technically impressive interpretations of cool austerity, with a phenomenal command of dynamics and color values. In the Sonata No. 10, Chen realizes the Très doux et pur in a fascinating and exciting way that outdoes a number of interpretations by some very important pianists. This production is definitely one of the most important complete recordings of the Scriabin sonatas.

— Pizzicato

DANCES Music by Ye, Bartok, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, de Falla Arranged by Shen Ye and Dai Weiyi Zhi-Jong Wang, violin Ensemble Epoch Experience the captivating artistry of Zhi-Jong Wang and her innovative chamber orchestra, Ensemble Epoch, with their latest album release, "Dances". Founded in 2021 by graduates of the prestigious Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Ensemble Epoch is redefining the boundaries of classical music performance. "Dances" brings together an eclectic mix of compositions and arrangements, showcasing the ensemble's remarkable versatility and unity. From the ethereal beauty of Shen Ye's "Prelude" to the vibrant rhythms of Bartok's "Romanian Folk Dances," this album is a testament to the ensemble's dynamic range. The imaginative arrangements by contemporary composers Shen Ye and Dai Weiyi breathe new life into beloved classics such as Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" and Brahms' "Hungarian Dances". The album culminates in a breathtaking rendition of Manuel de Falla's "Ritual Fire Dance," demonstrating the ensemble's exceptional skill and passion. Zhi-Jong Wang's visionary leadership and violin artistry paired with the ensemble's cohesive performance style create a unique listening experience that transcends traditional classical music forms. Each track on "Dances" is a journey into a world of musical exploration, where the intimate connection between musicians and audience comes alive.

In September 2024, the music world celebrates the 200th anniversary of Anton Bruckner's birth in 1824. To coincide with the anniversary itself, and following the release of Bruckner's Ninth 4 earlier in 2024, Accentus Music will release the recording of Bruckner's Symphony No. 2 with the Bamberg Symphony, this time under the musical direction of their conductor laureate Christoph Eschenbach. Composed in a rather restless and pessimistic state of mind, Bruckner's Second oscillates between heartfelt prayers, desperate outbursts, helpless silence, and ecstatic dance scenes. A co-production with BR-Klassik

A sonic innovator or an expert on chance? This documentary by Oscar-winning director Allan Miller and Emmy-winner Paul Smaczny pays tribute to the most fascinating American avant-garde composer. Shot in America, Germany and Japan, 'Journeys in Sound ' premieres rare archival footage and features associates of.

For many, the Christmas holiday season would be incomplete without the resounding drum roll and trumpet fanfare that opens Bach's "Oratorium auf die Heilige Weynacht" ("Oratorio for the holy Christmas"). Ever since it was first performed by the Thomaskantor between Christmas Day in 1734 and Epiphany 1735 in Leipzig's two main churches of St. Thomas and St. Nikolai, Bach's six part musical masterpiece has become a cornerstone of the city's identity and musical heritage. The performance presented here, led by Bach's 17th successor Gotthold Schwarz together with the Thomanerchor and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, features a lineup of renowned soloists, enabling one to experience the festive grandeur of what many consider the epitome of Christmas music in it's original setting. "Gotthold Schwarz transforms this into a Christmas Oratorio that is far more than a sum of it's parts... his musical rhetoric avoids cheap gimmicks and vain showmanship." (Peter Korfmacher, LVZ)

Franz Schmidt 150 (1874-1939)

“In conversations about Franz Schmidt the recurring theme emerging for many is that listening to a performance of his music at a young age became the turning point in their lives the realization of how powerful music can be,” says Jonathan Berman, whose longtime love of Franz Schmidt’s work has its origins in a performance preparation for his Fourth Symphony.

Berman’s passion for Schmidt’s work and the composer’s upcoming 150th birthday in 2024 were key reasons for the conductor to approach the BBC National Orchestra of Wales to record all four symphonies together – a major project that also marks Jonathan Berman’s CD debut.

The recordings were realized between 2020 and 2022 at BBC Hoddinott Hall, the home of the BBC NOW in Cardiff. In November 2023, Accentus Music releases all four symphonies in a high-quality box set that will also be made available across all digital platforms. BBC Music Magazine wrote about the digital pre-release of the first symphony in March 2021: “Jonathan Berman and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales deliver a terrific performance which provides a fine alternative to the excellent version from Paavo Järvi. […] What really makes this new recording so enticing is the sheer energy and enthusiasm with which conductor and orchestra communicate the vigour and optimism of the opening movement.”

Produced in association with BBC Radio 3 and BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

REVIEW:

Following their highly acclaimed streamed recording of his First Symphony, Jonathan Berman and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales have now completed their Franz Schmidt symphony cycle. Packaged together in this sumptuously designed and luxuriantly recorded set, the performances of all four symphonies, released in celebration of the 150th anniversary of his birth, pay worthy tribute to an undeniably major late-Romantic Austrian composer who, despite the passage of time, continues to divide opinion.

With almost evangelical zeal, Berman staunchly defends Schmidt from his detractors by providing some insightful personal observations in the booklet notes and by investing sufficient energy and dedication in his interpretations to allow the music to speak directly and fervently to the listener.

A coproduction with Sudewestrundfunk

In August of 2015, Andris Nelsons conducted the Lucerne Festival Orchestra for the third time.; The last time the orchestra had played Mahler’s Symphony no. 5 was in the summer of 2004 under their founder, Claudio Abbado. Nelson’s interpretation is different, but no less inspiring, with its fiery passion.; Baritone Matthias Goerne’s smooth, warm voice is perfect for capturing the somber mood of this music, which begins with a funeral march.; Truly, this live recording brilliantly captures the relationship and trust between ensemble and conductor.

Beethoven’s piano concertos impressively reflect the personality and creativity of the revolutionary composer. They are a challenge for each pianist. In this recording of the second and third concertos, the legendary pianist, conductor, and teacher Leon Fleisher and his star pupil Margarita Hohenrieder, who has also gained international recognition, show their personal relationship with Beethoven. At two unusual concert locations- the Zollverein World Heritage Site in Germany’s Ruhr area and the famous Max-Littmann-Saal in Bad Kissingen, which is known for its acoustics- the two discerning artists perform the two concertos together with the Kammerphilharmonie Amade and the Wurttemberg Chamber Orchestra Heilbronn. Also included is a bonus film of Leon Fleisher and Margarita Hohenrieder in rehearsal as well as speaking about these works.

Werther is an opera in four acts by Jules Massenet to a French libretto by �douard Blau, Paul Milliet and Georges Hartmann (who used the pseudonym Henri Gr�mont). It is loosely based on the German epistolary novel The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which was based both on fact and on Goethe's own early life. In this recording from the Opernhaus Zurich, Juan Diego Florez, Anna Stephany, Cornelius Meister, and Tatjana Gurbaca, along with the orchestra of the Opernhaus Zurich, bring a new and modern flair to this dramatic work.

This music is more serious and more significant than one had thought, the Berliner Zeitung summarized in it's review of Daniel Barenboim's celebrated Bruckner cycle with the Staatskapelle Berlin. Bruckner's unfinished Symphony No. 9 brought to an end, in a poignant manner, the work of one of the greatest symphonic composers of the Classic-Romantic era. Once more the essential elements of Bruckner's symphonic style are present; the technical standard, the intensity of sound, and the enormous richness of expression are in this singular work brought to an unsurpassed niveau.

Also available on standard DVD

Exactly 80 years before the Opening Concert of the 2019 Lucerne Festival, Sergei Rachmaninoff himself appeared for the first time on August 11, 1939 at the "International Music Festival Weeks". The roaring success of the performance stands in direct contrast to the need for retreat, seclusion and concentration that the star pianist sought as a composer. Marking three stages in his career, the concerto, étude, vocalise and symphony presented in 2019 take the listener to these places of retreat. And yet, they call to mind phenomena of public perception that still influence the way they are received today. In their diversity, these works invite us to appreciate the versatility of this extraordinary artist, to question, break through and expand patterns of perception.

 

REVIEW:

 

The pianist is musically involved, and so is Chailly. However unexpectedly, they form a superb partnership, and the entire reading is suffused with unabashed Romanticism. Matsuev shows himself perfectly willing to play delicate passages with the appropriate lyricism. The opening theme is unusually gentle, in fact. The impression of effortless virtuosity is especially vivid in the finale, where the pianist is magisterial. I would call this a Gilels-like performance in its authority and breadth rather than an electrifying Horowitz-like one. But it’s thrilling nonetheless.

 

– Fanfare