Anton Rubinstein and Alexander Adolfovich Winkler represent two generations of Russian Romanticism, and their sonatas for viola and piano reveal contrasting yet complementary approaches to chamber music and to the expressive potential of the viola. Anton Rubinstein (1829-1894), one of the founders of the Russian conservatory system and a towering figure as pianist, conductor, and composer, approached chamber music with a distinctly European Romantic sensibility. His Sonata for Viola and Piano is notable for it's lyrical breadth and dramatic contrasts. Rubinstein treats the viola not merely as an accompanying voice but as a fully expressive partner to the piano, exploiting it's warm, dark timbre and vocal qualities. The sonata's sweeping melodies, rich harmonic language, and expansive formal design reflect Rubinstein's admiration for composers such as Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Brahms. At the same time, moments of intense lyricism and emotional weight highlight his belief in music as a direct vehicle for personal expression. Alexander Adolfovich Winkler (1865-1935), a student of Sergei Taneyev and a representative of a later Russian school, brings a more refined and introspective character to his Sonata for Viola and Piano. Winkler's writing is marked by structural clarity, contrapuntal skill, and subtle harmonic color. His sonata emphasizes the viola's expressive nuance, often favoring intimate dialogue between the instruments rather than virtuosic display. The work blends Romantic warmth with Classical balance, revealing Winkler's interest in formal discipline and textural transparency. Luca Sanzò is a pupil of Bruno Giuranna. His concert career has taken him to the world's major concert halls, both as a soloist and in collaboration with leading musicians. He has collaborated as principal viola soloist with various orchestras, including those of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, and the early music orchestra Concerto Italiano. He teaches viola at the Conservatorio di S. Cecilia in Rome. He has recorded for Nuova Era, Bottega Discantica, BMG Ricordi, Opus 111, Tactus, Edi Pan, Stradivarius, Naïve, Chandos, and Naxos. Italian pianist Maurizio Paciariello, schooled by Aldo Ciccolini and Paul Badura-Skoda and prizewinner of the ARD Competition, is a champion of rare repertoire and a specialist on period instruments.

Hungarian violinist Kristof Barati has established himself as one of the most captivating voices on the contemporary classical scene. Born in Budapest in 1979 to a violinist mother and cellist father, he spent much of his childhood in Venezuela, where by the age of eight he was already appearing as a soloist with major orchestras. His formative studies took him back to Hungary at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music and later to Paris, where he studied with Eduard Wulfson-a pupil of legends such as Yehudi Menuhin, Nathan Milstein and Henryk Szeryng. Barati's artistry is defined by a compelling blend of technical precision and poetic expressivity. Critics have praised his "vast expressive range and impeccable technique," as well as his ability to let the music shine above all. He performs on the exquisite 1703 "Lady Harmsworth" Stradivarius, a tool of rare power and beauty, loaned to him by the Stradivari Society of Chicago. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded Hungary's highest cultural honour, the Kossuth Prize, in 2014. While Barati's discography is impressively broad (encompassing Bach, Ysaÿe, Paganini, Mozart, Korngold and more), his relationship with Beethoven is especially noteworthy. Although his recorded output emphasizes the violin-and-piano sonatas (with Klara Wurtz) rather than only the concerto, his mastery of Beethoven's voice carries over beautifully into his concerto performances. His interpretation of Beethoven's concerto is marked by clarity of line, purity of tone, and a sense of respectful freedom. In the Allegro ma non troppo he finds an elegant balance between classical poise and Romantic impetus; in the Larghetto he offers a deeply lyrical calm; and in the Rondo he embraces spirited vitality without ever sacrificing musical integrity. Reviews of his performances emphasize how Barati "treats music with the greatest respect... knowing his instrument very well so that he can give himself as much freedom as he would want." For listeners seeking a fresh take on this cornerstone of the violin repertoire, Barati brings an interpretation that is both grounded and revelatory: one rooted in tradition, yet vividly alive for today's audiences. Bovenkant formulier This recording presents Barati with the Concerto Budapest, conducted by Andras Keller, one of Hungary's best orchestras and conductors.

*** This Blu-ray Disc is only playable on Blu-ray Disc players and not compatible with standard DVD or HD DVD players. ***

Opera & Ballet: The Blu-ray Experience includes opera and ballet highlights from the Opus Arte catalogue, and gives everyone the opportunity to experience the stunning quality of High Definition picture and sound, at an extremely competitive price.

Including world-class artists such as Bryn Terfel, Cecilia Bartoli, Anne Sofie von Otter, Jose Cura, Simon Keenlyside and Agnes Letestu, this 50-minute introduction to the world of Blu-ray is a must-have purchase this autumn.

Blu-ray offers an outstanding audio and visual experience, with up to six times the resolution of standard definition DVD, and up to 7.1 channels of High Definition surround sound.

Repertoire:

Verdi - Il trovatore: Gypsy chorus (Royal Opera House)
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake: Entrance of Swans (Act 2) (Paris Opera Ballet)
Mozart - The Magic Flute: Aria - Queen of the Night (Act 2) (Royal Opera House)
Puccini - La Bohème: Che gelida manina! (Your tiny hand is frozen!) (Teatro Real)
Bizet - Carmen: Habanera (Glyndebourne)
Mendelssohn - A Midsummer Night's Dream: Divertissement (Act 2) (Pacific Northwest Ballet)
Puccini - Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro (Glyndebourne)
Strauss - Die Fledermaus: Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka (Glyndebourne)
Rameau - Zoroastre: Entr'acte: Ouverture / À mes tristes regards (Act 2 / Scene I) (Drottningholm Theatre)
Rossini - La Cenerentola: Signora Altezza (Act 1) (Glyndebourne)
Bellini - Norma: Casta Diva (De Nederlandse Opera)
Balanchine - Jewels: Emeralds – Final (Paris Opera Ballet)
Cecilia & Bryn at Glyndebourne
Mozart - Die Zauberflöte: ‘Pa-pa-pa-pa’ (duet) (Glyndebourne)

Region code: 0 (all regions)
Picture: 1080i
Sound: PCM Stereo / PCM Surround / DTS-HD Master Audio Surround / Dolby True HD Surround

Coming into French and English from the Greek elegos ('lament'), an elegy (elegie) is a poetic or musical composition expressing sorrow or lamentation, typically mourning the loss of a loved one or reflecting on themes of grief and melancholy. Massenet's famous 'Clair de lune', presented here in an arrangement by the composer himself, envelops us in a dreamlike atmosphere, with the piano painting a delicate lunar landscape permeated by a subtle melancholy. The original is one of the most touching scenes in the opera Werther, when the protagonist feels his love for Charlotte rising within him. Contrary to popular belief, Ravel's Pavane pour une infante defunte is not dedicated to a departed soul. Rather, it is a nostalgic evocation of an imaginary childhood, rich in charm and mystery. Joseph Jemain's orchestration adds, if possible, further depth and suggestiveness to Ravel's music by introducing the piano into the ensemble, the protagonist of Ravel's original version. The violin and piano engage in a dialogue of deep contemplation in Saint-Saens's elegie in D, Op.143. The poignant melody and refined harmony express feelings of loss and consolation. This very intense and moving piece has secured an important place in the violin repertoire. The cello assumes the role of narrator in Faure's elegie, Op.24 recounting a story of pain and hope with great expressive intensity. A highly lyrical and touching piece, it is distinguished by it's expressive writing and singable melody. Debussy's Suite bergamasque transports us to a world of dreams and suggestions. Through four evocative dances with a Renaissance and Baroque flavour, the orchestra leads us on a musical journey rich in charm and delicacy. Wilhelm Renz's orchestration makes Debussy's picturesque music even more vivid. Renz is also the arranger of the Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals featured here. His orchestral version adds brilliance and colour to the composer's music while maintaining it's original spirit of fun and irony, streamlining the orchestration in some places and adding elements for a richer, more layered sound in others. Other information: - Recorded August 2023 in Anzio (Italy) - Booklet in English contains liner notes by Valerio Vicari and profiles of the orchestra and conductor - A beautiful program featuring French music from the turn of the 19/20th century, evoking a late-romantic and mildly impressionistic atmosphere in elegiac mood. - The works presented are Elegies by Saint-Saens (1835-1921), Faure (1845-1924), Vieuxtemps (1820-1881) and Massenet (1842-1912), the Suite Bergamasque by Debussy (1862-1918), Pavane by Ravel (1875-1937) and, to conclude in a more spirited mood, the Carnaval des Animaux by Saint-Saens. Several of the works are transcribed for an instrumental ensemble featuring flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello & double bass. - Sensuous and evocative performances by the Roma Tre Orchestra, conducted by Sieva Borzak.

Anton Bruckner 200 (1824-2024)

Released to coincide with Bruckner's 200th birthday in 2024, this 18-CD set brings together the entire recorded cycle of Bruckner's symphonies in the Capriccio label's The Complete Versions Edition. Markus Poschner's acclaimed recordings of Bruckner's symphonies feature all of the versions identified as having significant revisions and changes in the authoritative Neue Anton Bruckner Gesamtausgabe (New Anton Bruckner Complete Edition), making this the most comprehensive Bruckner Symphonies cycle available today.

Through the haze of the years, a poet remembers the women he loved. But when it comes to matters of the heart, nothing is as it seems. Particularly when the devil himself is involved. Journeying back to his school days, Hoffmann (Juan Diego Florez) relives his childhood romance with Olympia, a model student in every sense. Doomed love follows him into adulthood, where the dancer, Antonia, is taken from him too soon. Meanwhile, the sensual courtesan Giulietta has her own secret agenda. As memory and fantasy become increasingly blurred, will Hoffmann find the enigmatic Stella before it is too late? Olivier award-winning director Damiano Michieletto returns to The Royal Opera for a new production of Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann alongside conductor Antonello Manacorda.