Olesen: Piano Works

Orlando di Lasso (b. 1532 in Mons) was one of the most important and prolific composers in the whole of sixteenth-century Europe. Famed as a singer from boyhood, he escaped several kidnapping attempts ordered by princes who coveted his talent for their courts. Di Lasso is a fascinating character: an extravagant and provocative musical figure, an adventurous artist and cultivated polyglot. On being asked to provide the soundtrack for a documentary on di Lasso by Joachim Thome, Simon-Pierre Bestion became immersed in the composer's multiverse. This album, an extension of the music for that film, projects the iconoclast di Lasso into our 21st century world. As Bestion explains: 'I made a deliberate choice here to interpret this music with a great freedom of instrumentation and of timbre. What is more, even though there were no drums or saxophones in di Lasso's day, the performer was free to choose whichever or the ornamentation he wanted.' Join La Tempete for this unpredictable, fantasy-enriched exploration of the timeless realm of Orlando.

Echoes showcases Lars Moller's masterful fusion of Scandinavian introspection, robust American jazz, and emotive Indian modalities. Joined by legendary trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg and the NDR Bigband, Moller crafts a sonic journey that reflects his artistic evolution and exploration of jazz and Indian music. Contrasting spacious, improvised passages with dense orchestrations, Echoes balances air and fire, creating a timeless soundscape that embraces both spiritual openness and rhythmic intensity.

This MarchVivo recording presents remastered excerpts from two recitals given by guitarist Ricardo Gallen at the Fundacion Juan March in 2014 and 2017. The thread linking all the works on the album is the habanera. Although it's name derives from that of the Cuban capital, this genre of song and dance had mixed European and African roots. By the late 19th century, it had travelled back from Cuba to Europe and seduced half the continent with it's sensual, swaying rhythm. Having arrived on ships that docked in the ports of Cadiz and Seville, it discovered it's close kinship with tango and was later assimilated by flamenco. The habanera captured the imagination of Spanish and French composers because of it's power to conjure an exotic vision of "otherness", as conveyed here by the intimate voice of the Spanish guitar.

This album was recorded on the 9th of May 2023 in Sound on Sound Studios in New Jersey, The project itself was an ongoing process of writing for three years. We recorded for 12 full hours.

This is a celebration to one of my favourite composers, the great French composer, piano player and conductor Michel Legrand. On this album I have chosen to interpret some of my favourite songs, arranged by Swedish piano player and arranger Martin Sjostedt. Michel Legrand has always been a great inspiration for me and I have long dreamed of doing a project where I get to interpret his music in my own unique way. His music and the combination of the beautiful lyrics written by Alan & Marilyn Bergman stand for what I mainly want to convey to my audience; romance, dynamism, melancholy but also blues and swing. My special guests on this album are the Danish harmonica player Mathias Heise and the Swedish trumpet player Peter Asplund who is also the composer and arranger of the original song and LE GRAND MICHEL. Title track of this album A very special thank you to my musical partner, arranger and producer of this album, Martin Sjostedt, who always supports and challenges me musically in the most fun and generous way. /Vivian Buczek

Volume 13 is the final instalment in Wolf Harden's series of Busoni's piano music, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the composer's death in 2024. It features selections from the multi-volume Klavierubung ('Piano Exercise') as well as some early miniatures, and more.

The works recorded here are by Maximilian Steinberg and Dmitry Shostakovich, the first is the teacher of the second, and both are representatives of different generations in Russian music of the 20th century. Written at almost the same time, their works are very different in their genres, their way of thinking and their imagery. Steinberg's symphony, a fully mature work, remains faithful to the traditions of Russian and European cultures and is set apart by it's conceptualisation of the theme "Personality and the World". Performed in Russia and abroad only during the 1930s, it is recorded here for the first time; a new discovery for lovers of symphonic music undoubtedly awaits. The young Shostakovich, unlike his mentor, grew up in the atmosphere of the avant-garde and the demolition of tradition. In his early ballet The Bolt he paid tribute to the era of socialist industrialisation and created a light-hearted, divertimento-like work, although it does not lack a certain daring. It's theatricality and satirical nature are perfectly suited to the Ural Youth Symphony Orchestra, whose musicians are around the same age as Shostakovich when he composed the ballet.

Bruce Wolosoff is a formidable pianist, lauded for his integration of classical, jazz, blues, and contemporary influences in his compositions. His new magnum opus, Rising Sun Variations, is an extended and innovative set of improvisations on the American traditional folk song, best known for a version recorded in 1964 by British rock band the Animals. Wolosoff's "Prelude and Theme" are followed by 39 Variations ranging from sonorous to serene, encompassing a multitude of styles united by the well-known refrain.

Baritone Randall Scarlata has been praised by MusicWeb International for his "extraordinary vocal range and colour palette" and for his "masterful authority and secure technique" (Die Presse, Vienna). Gilbert Kalish's 30-year partnership with the mezzo-soprano Jan DeGaetani was widely recognized as one of the most remarkable artistic collaborations of recent years. Kalish maintains long standing duos with cellists Timothy Eddy, Joel Krosnick, and with soprano Dawn Upshaw.

Busoni: Violin Sonatas

As with many other Australian composers, the music of Linda Kouvaras (b. 1960) has a strong sense of wide-open spaces, expressed in lyrical, elegiac melodic lines that soar over freewheeling Lisztian piano textures and atmospheric echoes of French Impressionism. In this second album of a series presenting all of her instrumental works, chamber music and songs written since 1991

In her new album acclaimed pianist Tomono Kawamura invites listeners on a satisfying journey through classical piano music. Blending personal favourites with timeless masterpieces, Tomono's profound connection to the piano is evident in every piece. Her distinct poetic sensitivity and technical brilliance bring each composition to life, creating a deeply personal and immersive musical experience. The album opens with Tchaikovsky's Autumn Song, Op. 37a No. 10, from The Seasons. Tomono captures the reflective and nostalgic mood of October, emphasising the delicate interplay of light and shadow in this evocative work. The journey continues with Sibelius's "Edit," Op. 76 No. 2, where Tomono masterfully balances subdued elegance with quiet intensity, reflecting the stark beauty of the Finnish landscapes that inspired it. Brahms' Hungarian Dance adds a lively burst of energy, with Tomono navigating it's spirited rhythms and fiery folk influences with joyful intensity. Her deep affinity for Chopin shines through in her performances of six of his works, each chosen to highlight different facets of his genius. From the lyrical intimacy of his nocturnes to the virtuosic brilliance of his etudes, Tomono's interpretations resonate with the emotional depth central to Chopin's music. The album also explores diverse stylistic periods with selections from Scarlatti, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, and Grieg. Tomono's performances reflect a profound understanding of these great piano works, whether it's the crystalline precision of Scarlatti's sonatas, the sweeping passion of Rachmaninoff's preludes, the dreamlike textures of Debussy, or the rugged beauty of Grieg. A highlight of Reminiscence is Tomono's original composition, Variations, which bridges classical form with contemporary expression. This piece showcases her creativity and deep understanding of the classical tradition, offering a fresh voice while paying homage to the composers who have shaped her musical journey. Reminiscence is more than just a collection of piano works; it reflects Tomono Kawamura's lifelong devotion to music. Through her thoughtful interpretations and masterful technique, she offers listeners an experience that lingers long after the final notes fade. About Tomono Kawamura: Born in Japan, Tomono Kawamura began piano studies at three and made her orchestral debut at fifteen. After winning numerous competitions in Japan, she received a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she graduated with First Class Honours. Tomono has performed as a soloist across Asia, Europe, and the UK, including at Wigmore Hall. She is also a celebrated performer on luxury cruise ships worldwide. Tomono's rich career and dedication to her craft are evident in every note of Reminiscence, offering listeners a glimpse into the soul of a true artist.

This exciting album features world premiere recordings of nine chamber and solo works, profiling the distinctive and diverse voices of five celebrated British composers. The album explores the rich theme of the English landscape and it's cultural history through innovative and evocative music. "Distant Voices, New Worlds" is inspired by the interplay of contemporary and historical perspectives on landscape. At it's heart are four specially commissioned songs from 2022 for soprano and ensemble, forming the South Downs Songbook. This project meditates upon and celebrates the human experience of the South Downs, the chalk hills stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne. The project included extensive educational initiatives and the creation of a resource pack on composing, available through the Orchestra of Sound and Light, the Brighton-based ensemble known for blending traditional and contemporary instruments and incorporating visual art and moving images. The commissioned composers-Shirley J Thompson, Rowland Sutherland, Evelyn Ficarra, and Ed Hughes-each bring a unique perspective to the project. Their works are inspired by walking the South Downs and are set to texts that offer varied views on landscape and history: Shirley Thompson set Phillis Wheatley's "An Hymn to the Evening" (1753-1784), reflecting Wheatley's experiences in England. Rowland Sutherland chose a poem by Charlotte Turner Smith (1749-1806). Ed Hughes adapted words by Marion Robinson (1937), an early contributor to the Mass Observation Archive, influenced by William Blake's visions of the South Downs skies. Evelyn Ficarra set a poem by contemporary Brighton-based poet Valerie Whittington. Complementing these works are five additional compositions recorded by the New Music Players, creating a kaleidoscope of new British music and historical voices. Highlights include: An instrumental elaboration on Thomas Tallis's motet "In ieiunio et fletu" by Ed Hughes. Shirley J Thompson's tribute to Nelson Mandela, "Mighty Mandela," performed by solo flautist Rowland Sutherland. Evelyn Ficarra's solo piano meditation on a haiku, "The Arbitrariness of Language." A trio by Rowland Sutherland for cello, flute, and piano, blending jazz influences and a remix of Tallis's "Lamentations." Matthew Sheeran's "Languet Anima," inspired by fourteenth-century Ars Subtilior music. This project, developed with support from ACE and the South Downs National Park Authority, also received contributions from the Hinrichsen Foundation and Vaughan Williams Trust. It highlights the intersection of contemporary music, landscape, culture, and memory, emphasizing the significance of diverse artistic expression in fostering public awareness and well-being.

Mignone: Doze Valsas