The award-winning vibraphonist Pascal Schumacher and the internationally acclaimed pianist Danae Dorken present their new album 'Glass Two' - an impressive musical homage to one of the most influential composers of our time: Philip Glass. Their unusual instrumentation for piano and vibraphone creates an unrivaled sound world that brings Glass' minimalist worksto life in a new and refreshing way. At the heart of the album are original interpretations of Glass' compositions, complemented by Schumacher's own works. These pieces, inspired by personalities who influenced the American composer, such as the poet Allen Ginsberg or the sculptor Richard Serra, form a unique fusion of two musical worlds. This fusion creates a profound and multifaceted, yet reduced and clear atmosphere. Pascal Schumacher and Danae Dorken impressively demonstrate that less is sometimes more: Their artfully crafted arrangements are characterised by a fascinating transparency that captures the essence of minimalist music. The result is a captivating listening experience that allows the colors and textures of Glass' works to shine in a new light and interact harmoniously with Schumacher's own compositions. The album will be released on the Neue Meister label on CD and vinyl on 8 November 2024 and is an indispensable discovery for all lovers of modern classical music. Immerse yourself in the soundscapes of 'Glass Two' and experience a musical journey that inspires both in it's reduction and diversity

This release captures the January 2025 concert from Manchester's Bridgewater Hall. Rapturously received by the capacity audience and acclaimed by the critics, the Halle's performance of this monumental work marks a significant milestone in Kahchun Wong's tenure as Principal Conductor. Thought of as being the composer's most ambitious search for the meaning of life, the Second Symphony is conceived and delivered on an epic scale, featuring soloists, choir and an enlarged orchestra. The music offers a directness of expression which transports the listener through a series of climaxes and reflections, culminating in a Last Judgement in which the composer said, 'an overwhelming love illuminates our being'. The release is accompanied by a personal introduction from Kahchun Wong, reflecting on what the music of Mahler means to him, and a programme note by Mahler expert, composer David Matthews.

With a shared history spanning decades and a sound rooted in both the jazz tradition and the Nordic spirit, the Danish jazz trio Sophisticated Ladies - pianist Marie Louise Schmidt, bassist Helle Marstrand, and drummer Benita Haastrup - unveil their new album, That Healin' Feelin', due out on October 10 on Storyville Records. Formed in 1987 under the mentorship of American trombonist and vocalist Richard Boone (Count Basie Orchestra, Danish Radio Big Band), the trio have built a repertoire that seamlessly blends the roots of jazz with the nuances of Nordic expression. The album consists of 10 tracks with freshly interpreted standards, original compositions, and beloved pieces from the early days of the ensemble. The album opens with Les McCann's soulful title track, a nod to the group's formative years. It continues with Mary Lou Williams' J.B.'s Waltz and A Grand Night for Swinging, two foundational works from the group's early repertoire. Other highlights include takes on Duke Ellington's Going Up, Thelonious Monk's Bemsha Swing, and Abdullah Ibrahim's Blue Bolero, a trio of towering jazz voices who have left a lasting imprint on the group's sound. The record is enriched by original compositions: Svaner i Maj (Swans in May) by Marstrand, Gar pa Sol (Walk on Sun) by Haastrup, and Uden Ord (Without Words) by Schmidt. These pieces are deeply rooted in Danish song traditions and reflect the trio's Nordic musical language. Closing with the timeless What a Wonderful World, the album pays loving homage to Richard Boone, who for more than a decade toured and performed with Sophisticated Ladies. In his words, always spoken at the end of a concert: "What a Wonderful World, and then we go home, children." That Healin' Feelin' is a heartfelt continuation of a musical dialogue that began nearly 40 years ago, and a testament to the vitality and versatility of three musicians still listening deeply to each other and the world around them.

The Suite for Two Oboes and Two English Horns (2017), consists of four movements that take their titles from the Christian liturgy. Each movement is an abstract representation of the overall spirit and emotion of each of these prayers. The movements consist of what I find to be four of the most poignant as well as contrasting of the prayers: the Kyrie, the Dies Irae, the Lacrimosa, and ending with the Gloria. Having played the oboe and English horn throughout my formative musical years through to my completion of university, I have an inherent love for these instruments and writing for them. Oboists lack a large selection of serious repertoire for choirs of their instruments and my hope is that this piece will help fill some of that need in additional to encouraging others to write for this fascinating timbral combination. The Symphony for Flute Choir (2017) is a larger scale work for standard flute choir consisting of four movements. In composing this piece, my goal was to give the flute choir a serious piece of music with the emotional breadth that comes in writing a piece of a symphonic scale. As with most of my music, there is no programme or narrative to this piece. Rather, the movements revolve around often angular ideas, many mixed asymmetric metres, and contrasts between slow, sometimes emotionally ambivalent sections and more driving and jagged movements of ever-increasing amounts of tension.

Once again, Concerto Koln stands out for it's clever programming, which explores the underlying concept of the album from different angles. "As a violinist, the playing experience is not only musical but also physical: I can often quite easily guess the physical traits of the hands and arms of each of these composers. One had a strong pinky or a long middle finger, the other liked to play lightly or heavily in the right arm and so on", explains Shunske Sato. Concertos written for four solo violins by three different composers are featured on the album: The B minor (RV 580) and D major concertos (RV 549) by Antonio Vivaldi, as well as a concerto each by Giuseppe Valentini and Pietro Antonio Locatelli. The CD also includes solo concertos for one violin and orchestra by Antonio Bonporti and Pietro Castrucci (with Evgeny Sviridov and Jes�s Merino Ruiz as soloists, respectively).

Damian Marhulets, the Minsk-born composer who lives in Hanover, presents "Magic, Madness, Sadness", an extraordinary album that pushes boundaries and unites styles. His works, characterized by classical compositional techniques, combine with electronic and experimental sounds in a fascinating way. Marhulets' unique soundscapes refl ect themes such as identity, culture and memory. Each piece transports the listener into an interplay of magic, madness and sadness - an emotional experience that lingers for a long time. Discover music that opens up new horizons and touches you deeply at the same time.

With "Collateral Flow," Leipzig-based pianist Clemens Christian Poetzsch and German guitarist, percussionist, and composer Reentko Dirks present their first joint album for piano and guitar. This unique work combines the romantic and melancholic elements of Poetzsch's sensitive piano melodies with Dirks' romantic and soothing guitar sounds to create a captivating musical journey."La Bicicleta Roja" opens the collection as a heartfelt homage to the unforgettable moment of learning to ride a bike, symbolizing the transition from security to independence. "Tidewater" unfolds as a dialogue between the artists, comparable to the repetitive waves rolling comfortingly onto the beach, an image of movement and transformation."Pendulum" interweaves with the visual narrative of an abandoned house and the inevitable passage of time. The gentle tones of "Riverine" reflect the tranquillity of a morning riverbank, while "Kleines Silber" celebrates the harmonious fusion of piano and guitar."Reflexion" becomes a canvas for emotional and creative expressions, while "Veer" reaches a fascinating dimension with it's unique sound experiment between prepared guitar and piano."Collateral Flow" is an invitation to immerse yourself in the beauty of sound and emotion. Immerse yourself in this musical masterpiece

This notable album from Resonus Classics champions the rich, lyrical voice of Henriette Bosmans in a trio of concertante works and orchestral song. Cellist Gemma Rosefield brings deep emotional insight to both Poeme and the exquisite Second Concerto for cello, their expressive breadth deftly realised under George Vass's assured direction. Violinist Benjamin Nabarro brings supple brilliance to the poignant Concertstuk for violin, a moving tribute to Bosmans' lost fiance. Rowan Pierce's luminous soprano graces Lead, kindly light, capturing it's quiet spiritual fervour. The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra offers vivid, idiomatic support throughout. A compelling portrait of one of the Netherlands' most distinctive musical voices, Bosmans' music emerges here as both intensely personal and of striking universal appeal.

Why Francesco Geminiani is not mentioned these days alongside other great masters of the era of Baroque music is a bit of a mystery. Together with Corelli and Handel her was one of the composers who made a great career for himself in eighteenth-century Great Britain. Concerto Koln has not forgotten him, on the contrary: the ensemble pays homage to him as one of the true greats. And now the musicians have chosen their favourite pieces from his entire oeuvre and called it Geminiani's Quintessence. Concerto Koln has chosen works from all categories of his work for this project, with bassoonist Lorenzo Alpert taking a leading role in selecting those rare works "which we think are the loveliest and most accomplished of his compositions." The fact that Geminiani left a host of teaching manuals about playing technique and interpretation was decisive for the ensemble's interpretation of the works. "These rich sources of information made it possible for us to employ some surprising and unusual stylistic elements in our readings of his Concerti Grossi," explains Alpert. "They are what led to his special and very personal 'Quinta Essentia'" which will be available on CD and double vinyl.

The Suddeutsche Zeitung calls soprano Henrike Legner a "promise" - and now she presents her debut album on the GENUIN label. In doing so, she offers us an extraordinary, Romantic lied repertoire whose small treasures never fail to astonish: selected lieder by Felix Mendelssohn, including the finest from his estate, are brought together on this album. Brilliantly accompanied by pianist Gerold Huber, Henrike Legner's clear and expressive voice sings us two dozen beautiful discoveries straight into the heart, with magical power!

Step into a world of musical elegance with this release featuring solo piano interpretations of the most famous compositions by J.S. Bach. This album is a celebration of Bach's genius, showcasing the intricate beauty and emotional power of his work through the expressive medium of solo piano. Performed by Tim Allhoff who has collaborated with an impressive array of musicians and ensembles, including Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard, Robbie Williams, Jules Buckley, Vision String Quartet, and many more, this collection promises to deliver a rich listening experience that bridges tradition and innovation. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the depth and complexity of Bach's compositions, making them accessible and captivating for both seasoned listeners and newcomers alike.

'When I'm composing, not only have I to create music, I must also search for the best way of putting it across. It means being on the alert the whole time; writing - then criticizing what I've written - and if it won't do, scrap it and start again - more criticism - and so on until I've done everything within my power to make the music live and flow naturally'. These insights from Grace Williams into her approach to the compositional process show her strong desire to communicate fluently and sincerely with her listeners. Also evident from this quotation is her professionalism, technical integrity and formidable capacity for self-criticism. She held herself and her art to the highest standards, withdrawing and destroying scores which failed to live up to her ideals. It can be inferred from this that she regarded the works which survived elimination as worthy of her musical legacy.

This 4 CD edition "Christmas Classics - From Saxony to the World" brings together four of the most successful Christmas albums from Saxony. These four legendary music productions from Saxony contain a range of classical Christmas music that could not be greater. It includes instrumental and vocal music and brings together outstanding artists and ensembles such as Peter Schreier and the Staatskapelle Dresden, the Thomanerchor Leipzig, the Vocal Concert Dresden under the musical direction of Peter Kopp, the famous trumpeter and conductor Ludwig Guttler and his brass ensemble.

In the realm of music, where creativity knows no bounds, composer Kaan Bulak and trumpeter Simon Hofele join forces to unveil a mesmerizing sonic tapestry in their latest collaborative album, No Clouds in Haraz. " This musical odyssey is not merely an assortment of tracks but a profound homage to faraway places and a shared love for the simple yet profound pleasure of coffee. As the needle drops onto the vinyl or the digital waves fill the air, listeners are transported to distant worlds, guided by the evocative melodies and innovative compositions of Bulak. The album's title, a nod to the majestic mountains of Haraz in Yemen, sets the stage for a journey that goes beyond geographical boundaries. At the heart of this musical endeavor is a celebration of diversity-both in landscapes and musical influences. The harmonious blend of trumpet, synths, beats, and experimental sounds creates a sonic landscape that mirrors the intricate tapestry of our global cultural heritage. Each note resonates with the essence of places unseen, inviting the audience to experience a rich tapestry of sound. The trumpet takes center stage, it's resonant tones weaving seamlessly with electronic enchantments, giving rise to a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The result is a musical fusion that not only captivates the soul but also paints a vivid picture of the evolving nature of our interconnected world. Bulak and Hofele's collaboration goes beyond the conventional boundaries of genre, offering a view of the world that is both respectful and modern. The music becomes a bridge that connects distant landscapes and shared passions, mirroring the ever-changing clouds on the horizon. "No Clouds in Haraz" is a celebration of artistic collaboration and a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when diverse influences converge. As you embark on this extraordinary musical journey, let the notes guide you through landscapes unknown, and savor the richness of a cultural mosaic brought to life through the universal language of music. In every melody and beat, discover the magic of a world where there are truly "No Clouds in Haraz.

Pianist and composer Marina Baranova released her album Hypersuites on Berlin Classics in August 2016. "My Hypersuites are acoustic remixes of baroque masters," says the artist. For her project, she selected compositions by four Baroque composers - Couperin, J. S. Bach, Rameau and Handel - and combined individual pieces by these composers to create four suites of her own. The result of this exploration is a new Gesamtkunstwerk, a modern "mixed tape": Hypersuites. Baroque music of the 21st century. For Hypersuites, recorded on a modern Steinway grand piano in the Berlin Teldex studio, Marina Baranova has invited a special guest: Composer and pianist Hauschka created a remix of Rameau's La Poule. The result is a piece that mirrors baroque and electronic music. What if this idea is taken a step further? Marina Baranova is a classical concert pianist who has her musical roots not only in classical music but also in jazz. However, her interests go much further. The idea for Hypersuites came to her during a DJ session. She thought that scratches are basically the modern form of baroque musical embellishments. So nothing could be more obvious than to give the Hypersuites another musical color: Electronic arrangements of Baranova's version for solo instrument. How do DJs, contemporary composers and musicians interpret baroque music? How modern is baroque music, and how can it be transferred into the present day? Not just remixes, but an independent piece of music should be created, with an individual signature without any specifications or restrictions. Who takes part? Hauschka created a 6-minute version of Rameau's La Poule for Hypersuites Reloaded. The musician is known for his "prepared piano" and film scores, but new projects are also leading him more towards classical music with orchestras and chamber ensembles. The composers, producers and musicians John Kameel Farah, Damian Marhulets, Humboldt, Kostia Rapoport, Jannis Block, Anton Berman and Raz Ohara can also be heard with their own remixes. Marina has also created her own remix, which is not just a remix, but offers yet another unique approach to Bach's Siciliano.