Iv�n Fischer leads the Budapest Festival Orchestra in Beethoven's Symphonies Nos.1 and 5. The first, though rooted in his classical examples of Haydn and Mozart, was nothing less than a turning point in the symphonic tradition. It can be seen as a fitting farewell to the eighteenth century, as an exploration of new horizons, and as an energetic statement conceived to surpass his esteemed predecessors. The fifth is the ultimate proof of Beethoven's immortality. For who does not know it's world-famous theme?

Brahms and Bart�k are among Candida Thompson's favorite composers. They were both known for their love of folk music, and often used it as a source of creative inspiration. For this program, Amsterdam Sinfonietta have once again paired a work written for string orchestra with an arrangement of a work composed for chamber ensemble. Bart�k's Divertimento for String Orchestra is an exceptionally original work. Brahms's String Quintet No.2 is not often performed by a full string orchestra. In this guise, it's rich textures seem even more glorious.

On this collection, principal trombonist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra J�rgen van Rijen and Wim Van Hasselt, professor of trumpet at the University of Music Freiburg in Germany, team up to explore compositions written for the combination of trumpet and trombone. The recording is named after Folke Rabe's composition Tintomara - a dualistic figure from the Briar Rose Book by the Swedish author Jonas Love Almqvist. This richly rewarding recording includes both duets and solo works.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Anna Fedorova is one of the world's premier pianists. From an early age, she demonstrated an innate musical maturity and outstanding technical abilities. Her international concert career took off while she was only a child, and audiences around the world were stunned by the depth and power of her musical expression. For this all-Rachmaninov program, she is joined by Modestas Pitrenas and the Sinfonieorchester St. Gallen. Fedorova says, "Throughout my life Rachmaninov and his music have had a special place in my heart. Even though I am Ukrainian and was born in Kiev many decades after the October revolution, I always felt a connection to the old pre-revolutionary Russia. Rachmaninov was never able to return to, or even visit his home country after emigrating from Russia, but his homeland always remained in his heart, and is always reflected in his music."

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

The Budapest Festival Orchestra and Iv�n Fischer continue their Mahler cycle with the Symphony No.9. In the liner notes, Fischer writes that Mahler's Symphony No.9 is, "a most complex, extremely forward-looking, visionary symphony... [with] the most tragic and beautiful ending Mahler ever composed: what he shares with us is his fading awareness of our beloved world." Whether you think of this work as a eulogy to the end of all things, or as the ultimate exaltation to life and to mortality, this new recording on SACD from Channel Classics will allow the feeling to resonate deep into your soul.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue is part of a traditional English bridal rhyme. It refers to gifts of little things given to the bride to bring good luck. It's message is not to marry on the spur of the moment. However, some choose to throw caution to the wind and still succeed. The "marriage" between Holland Baroque Society and trumpeter Eric Vloeimans exemplifies both approaches. The ensemble represents traditional thought and preparation. The trumpet, constantly improvising, represents the mercurial element of relationships. On Old New & Blue, trumpet, bandon and historical instruments combine to create a colorful present for all listeners, like the icing on a wedding cake.