Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

George Enescu hardly admits of easy stylistic labeling- which is what makes his piano music so special and interesting. As might be expected, we repeatedly hear reminiscences of his native Romania. However, since he studied under Massenet and Faure and counted Ravel and Koechlin among his fellow pupils, it is not surprising that French influence is also very audible. Sina Kloke has selected the Pieces Impromptues and the Suite No. 2 for her challenging debut program. The young pianist introduces herself with a fine feel for the music’s special colors and phenomenal virtuosity. Although Enescu’s instrument was the violin, he had a remarkable command of piano composition and stages a fireworks show of tone colors on the keyboard. At the same time, he challenges the pianist with full chords, intricately detailed polyphony, and complex rhythms requiring superior piano technique and a special feel for the tonal qualities of the folkloric elements.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

On this album the Beethoven Hall Orchestra turns to one of the most important compositions of the oratorio literature: Beethoven's Missa solemnis. This recording conducted by Marc Soustrot with his customary fine touch features top-ranking international vocalists: the Czech Philharmonic Chorus of Brno, and renowned soloists. The Bonn composition genius himself had entitled his Missa solemnis "A Little Choral Piece." Was it really Christian humility that led him to write in his diary: "A little choral piece- written by me in the honor of the Almighty- the Eternal Infinite?" Beethoven wrote the mass during what was for him a crazy period. Works regarded by him as insignificant met with storms of enthusiasm in Vienna, while he had to witness how his considerably more important Symphony No. 7 verged on failure. Beethoven withdrew from the compositional scene for quite some time, then to return in his late oeuvre with works transcending all that was usual: Symphony No. 9, Hammerklavier, and Missa solemnis. "The choir is the real star of the recording: the singers effortlessly master the extremely high passages always supported by the precise playing orchestra." (Crescendo) "Finely performed... a deep, spacious recording of wide dynamic range with all forces nicely balanced." (Gramophone)

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music