Beethoven's euphoric Symphony No.9, like his symphony No.5, is one of those pieces of classical music which transcends the barrier between musical genres - one of the few pieces of the classical canon in the popular consciousness. Few can fail to be uplifted and caught up in the joyous Ode to Joy finale. For this performance, recorded live at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1994, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment were joined by the renowned conductor and long-time collaborator, Sir Charles Mackerras, a partnership between him and the OAE that lasted almost a quarter of a century. This is Signum's second release with the OAE, following a release of Monteverdi's Vespers (SIGCD237) earlier this year. The next release, planned for December, will feature Sarah Connolly performing Mahler's Totenfier and Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with the OAE under Vladimir Jurowski.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Sviatoslav Richter (1915-1997) was one of the most respected pianists of the 20th century. Known for his depth of interpretation, virtuoso technique, and vast repertoire, he is possibly the most popular Russian pianist of recent generations. He gave his first recital in 1934 at the Engineers Club of Odessa, three years before he began formally studying piano. He is now an icon for record collectors. Included in this new release from DOREMI are Beethoven works from broadcasts recorded in 1963, 1973, and 1986. These live performances are presented here in excellent remastered sound. All items presented on this album are first release ever.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Even today, exactly two hundred years after the beginning of their creation, the "Diabelli Variations" still have a reputation among many concertgoers and organizers as being 'awkward' or 'unwieldly' and, in any case, difficult to understand. Jacob Leuschner proves the opposite. Indeed, it is not an immediately accessible piece, let alone one that ingratiates itself the first time you hear it; like most of Beethoven's later works, it requires intense, concentrated engagement before it reveals it's complex beauty. Jacob Leuschner, born 1974 in Freiburg, studied with Helmut Barth and Michel B�roff in Freiburg as well as Konrad Elser in Luebeck. Numerous prizes and distinctions at important piano competitions attest to his artistic ranking: Beethoven (Vienna), German Music Competition and German University Competition, Leeds, Rina Sala Gallo (Monza), Mozart (Salzburg), Schubert (Dortmund) and Viotti (Vercelli). Since 1989 concert trips have led him to China, most European countries, Japan and USA. Jacob Leuschner has made many radio and TV productions as well as several recordings. In 1997 he founded with his year-long duo partner Angela Schwartz (cello) and violinist Alexander van Wijnkoop the Ariadne Trio Basel; furthermore, Jacob Leuschner is among other things duo partner of cellist Sebastian Klinger and clarinetist Clemens Trautmann. With those last named, he founded in 2003 the Feuerbach Trio. In 2008, Jacob Leuschner was appointed professor at the Music University Cologne.

Classical Music

Beethoven viewed the three piano trios as his first complete work; you can hear one of them here - in combination with the Ghost Trio", whose ghostly middle movement was the reason for the title. The Abegg Trio probably offers the most united performance of all the Beethoven Trios on four single CDs. It is powerful, vital playing, yet which always stays controlled, precise and melodious, that makes the performances so attractive. The ensemble sound is very homogeneous and the balance of the instruments outstanding. The commentaries in the booklet are also excellent." (CD-Fuhrer Klassik)

We awaited the third and fourth installments of Beethoven's Piano Trios by the Abegg Trio with eager anticipation. Now that they have been released, we can sum up as follows: our first impressions were right and our high expectations were confirmed; this trio, founded in Hanover in 1976, can rightly be called one of the great German piano trios. (Fono Forum)

The results are fascinating at every turn - these are braking renditions, and the entire set of four CDs is highly recommended, even to those who are already intimately familiar with these scores (Fanfare)

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music