The chansons are about human experiences, human emotions. About love, deep sadness, the fear of being abandoned, but also about the joy of relationships and love. These chansons invite us to dare to be real people. At first sight, the chansons do not seem particularly deep; they are generally not spiritual; they do not use complicated turns of phrase. They describe the ordinary events of life, the lives of ordinary people. But it is precisely this description of ordinary events and encounters that opens the shutters to reveal the greater themes of life such as selfless love, hope and thankfulness. We understand how these chansons are about our own lives and realize how they can unleash powerful human emotions.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

This release features the work of Julius Rontgen, a German-Dutch composer who produced a great deal of classical repertoire. The composer’s grandson wrote of this release, “This deliberate selection from Julius Rontgen’s extensive song repertoire represents an important new step towards a revaluation of his total oeuvre and the unlocking of Dutch musical heritage in general…” (Jurriaan Rontgen) Robbert Muuse and Micha van Weers are passionate musicians who are constantly pushing themselves to explore the field of forgotten works. Muuse is a baritone who is frequently sought after for both operatic and concert repertoire. Pianist Micha van Weers has performed alongside Muuse for many recitals.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

The music of Radames Gnattali stands very distinguished on the Brazilian classical music landscape given the composer's unique background: a hybrid of classical virtuoso pianist, composer of symphonies, concertos and sophisticated chamber music and popular composer who immensely contributed to different musical styles in the Brazilian music scene such as the samba, choro, bossa nova and Brazilian jazz. Gnattali started his career as a classical pianist and was considered one of the greatest virtuosos of his generation. He spent a great part of his life as the composer, arranger, and conductor of the National Radio orchestra in Rio de Janeiro. It was in 2005, thanks to Roberto Gnattali, that I had my first immersion in Gnattali's universe. Roberto Gnattali, composer and teacher at the University of Rio de Janeiro, is the nephew of Radames Gnattali. Nowadays considered the curator of Radames Gnattali's music, Roberto is an expert of all his uncle's recordings and compositions. Gnattali's widow surprised me with an unexpected present when she allowed me to take the digital copies of all music Gnattali has written for piano, that included solo, chamber, and concertos. The present album is a fortunate consequence of that! -Luis Rabello

Classical Music