FOREIGN LANDS

LETZTEN LEIDEN DES ERLÖSERS

DARK HOURS (Mystic Moments of Classical Music)

Founded in 1841 under the participation of Constanze Mozart, the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg today enjoys the highest reputation worldwide for it's lively and style-conscious Mozart interpretations. In numerous ways it connects the Viennese Classical period to the music of the 19th/20th and 21st centuries. The orchestras constant preoccupation with his core repertoire also shapes it's approach to the music of later periods. Thus chamber-musical transparency, articulatory clarity and nuanced sonority are a trademark that makes the Mozarteum Orchestra special and recognizable, also when playing the music of other composers. The Mozarteumorchester Salzburg proves once again it's unrivaled position as interpreters of the Mozart stylistic and uses the organ sonatas as a departure into other stylistic periods. It Includes two world premiere recordings of Henze's "Konzertmusik" and "Three Mozart Organ Sonatas".

Foreign Masters, an album that celebrates the profound influence of immigrant composers on 18th-century London, transforming it into the cultural capital of the world, is set to release this September. This collection features exquisite music for recorder and harpsichord, showcasing the brilliance of composers who brought their European heritage to London. Performed by Max Volbers, a prizewinner of the Deutscher Musikwettbewerb and one of the most versatile young musicians in early music today, the album promises to captivate listeners with it's artistry and historical depth. Immerse yourself in the works of legendary composers such as Georg Friedrich Handel, Arcangelo Corelli, Giuseppe Sammartini, James Paisible, Giovanni Carbonelli, Giuseppe Alberti, Johann Pepusch, and more. Each piece is a testament to the rich, multicultural tapestry that shaped London's musical landscape.

Benedict Kloeckner, one of the most remarkable cellists of his generation and winner of the OPUS Klassik 2021, is set to release a new album featuring the beloved Dvorak Cello Concerto. Recorded in collaboration with the SWR, accompanied by the Romanian Chamber Orchestra, which is led by conductor Cristian Macelaru. This album highlights Kloeckner's exceptional sense of melodic expressiveness and lesser known chamber works for cello and piano by Dvorak. The pieces for cello and piano by Dvorak, some of which are thematically connected to the concerto, showcase the deep musical synergy between Kloeckner and his accompanist, the acclaimed pianist Danae Dorken.

As one of the world's leading baroque ensembles, Concerto Koln has won numerous prizes and has been delighting audiences with it's outstanding interpretations for decades. In their latest album "Most Celebrated", the renowned ensemble presents a selection of masterpieces by composers such as George Frideric Handel and the brothers Giuseppe and Giovanni Battista Sammartini. Oboist Clara Blessing is featured as a soloist on many of these works and enchants the listeners with her virtuosic and sensible playing. Baroque music in it's most authentic form.

The Boulanger Trio, celebrated for their exceptional sound and compelling concepts in albums such as "Teach Me!" and "Wanderlust," is set to release a groundbreaking new album titled "Who's Afraid of...?" This project is a homage to female composers, spotlighting their powerful and often overlooked biographies. The album promises a robust musical statement paired with an even stronger sound. The repertoire spans a diverse range of eras, featuring works by composers from Fanny Hensel and Nadia Boulanger to contemporary artists like Lera Auerbach, Kate Bush, and Alicia Keys.

With its breathtaking nature and history, Provence in Occitania continues to inspire countless artists. The album "To the Muse", which combines original French works for saxophone and orchestra with transcriptions of music by troubadours for saxophone, hurdy-gurdy, cello and vibraphone, is a result of this inspiration. The album is completed with a tribute to the music of the troubadours, namely Bo Wiget's new instrumentation for saxophone, hurdy-gurdy, cello and vibraphone. The exciting region of Occitania played a formative role in the art of the time of the troubadours. The region was a great centre of attraction for dreamers and idealists.

Johannes Motschmann's latest album is a revolutionary fusion of human creativity and artificial intelligence. This groundbreaking project showcases a unique AI, custom-built and meticulously trained on Motschmann's extensive work to replicate his distinctive style seamlessly. Unlike generic AI music tools, this AI collaborates intimately with Motschmann, pushing the boundaries of modern composition. This album promises an unparalleled auditory journey. It was performed by the illustrious Ensemble Modern at the SWR Experimental Studio and conducted by the renowned Peter Tilling. Immerse yourself in the future of music, where technology meets artistry.

Discover the timeless beauty of Franz Schubert's music with this double album. This compilation showcases some of his finest works for piano four hands, composed during his final years. Be enchanted by the Fantasy in F minor, the powerful "Lebenssturme," the Fugue in E minor, and the gentle Rondo in A major. Experience the impressive "Grand Duo" and the exquisite Variations in A-flat major from the summer of 1824. Immerse yourself in the emotional depth and human drama that Schubert masterfully captures like no other - a true treasure trove of piano artistry.

Mozart, W.A.: Piano Music

Theodorakis, M.: Sadduzaer-Passion

Schumann, R.: 7 Lieder / Gedichte Der Konigin Maria Stuart /

For 20 years now, Bell’Arte Salzburg has been one of the leading ensembles for period performance practice. For its new album “Himlische Weynacht”, the musicians under the direction of Annegret Siedel went in search of the most impressive and moving works of Luther’s day. Vocal support for Bell’Arte Salzburg in the choral works comes from young soprano Marie Luise Werneburg and the well-known bass Klaus Mertens, two exceptional vocal soloists in this genre. In consort with the ensemble, they perform a highly varied round of festive airs, adding detail to our mental picture of Luther’s time with their musical representation of a Christmas celebration in those days.