This 2015 re-issue of romantic chamber music recordings pays tribute to the late violinist Lydia Mordkovitch (1944-2014). • Featuring pieces originally for, or arranged for, violin by Wagner, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich, and others, the CD centerpiece is Ernst Chausson’s lush Poème – an original violin work and an apt title for the entire collection. • It is further complemented by Ravel’s early one-movement sonata (Sonate posthume, 1897), his first chamber work and his first attempt at sonata form, and Sospiri, Op. 70, Elgar’s last short piece for violin and piano. Recorded 1989-96.

Chandos Records has signed an exclusive contract with the Brodsky Quartet in time for the celebrations of its fortieth anniversary in 2012. Formed in 1972, the Brodsky Quartet quickly emerged at the forefront of the international chamber music scene. It has performed more than 2000 concerts and made more than fifty highly acclaimed recordings. This is the Quartet’s first release on Chandos, and includes many of the encores it has performed over the years, notable for their novelty and diverse range of styles and emotions. All the pieces have been arranged by past or current members of the Quartet, and together form an entertaining and original collection.

Tenor Nicky Spence joins pianist Malcolm Martineau for this album of French songs from the early twentieth century. The works on this album were rarely performed at the time of their compositions, as song recitals had not gained popularity. Most of these works were performed in private salons and in chamber settings. Composers featured on this album include Andre Caplet, Lili Boulanger, Claude Debussy, and Cecile Chaminade. Both performers on this album are award-winning artists. Nicky Spence is the 2015 Opera Awards Young Singer of the Year, and Malcolm Martineau was just honored with an OBE.