Classical Music

Serene, almost heavenly in mood, the four masterpieces stand alone in Mozart’s oeuvre. This is the only time he combined flute and solo strings-to bewitchingly elegant effect, be it in invention, emotion, or formal diversity. Each movement has a particular character, for instance the Andantino con Variazioni in the C major Quartet, a delightful cycle lasting over 11 minutes, or the Adagio in the D major Quartet, filled with the “sweetest melancholy, perhaps the loveliest accompanied solo ever written for the flute” (Alfred Einstein.) The great flutist Aurele Nicolet, for years solo flute of the Berliner Philharmoniker, possessed a characteristically transparent tone that made him the ideal interpreter of Mozart: “A tone of pure silver” is how the Neue Zurcher Zeitung described it in its obituary of Aurele Nicolet. It is a singular stroke of luck that this recording was made with the Munchner Streichtrio, whose unique style was molded by violinist Ana Chumachenco, now an internationally renowned pedagogue.

Classical Music

Franz Schubert composed the works on this release at the peak of his career, just before his untimely death at age 31. These works display both his rapture of music making, and his melancholy farewell. These works are presented on a two-disc set, performed by Rachmaninov Trio Moscow. Rachmaninov Trio Moscow is Mikhail Tsinman, Natalia Savinova, and Victor Yampolsky. The group’s interpretation of Russian favorites has already been well received, and they meet the challenge of Schubert’s virtuosity with ease.

Unfortunately the overture is often overlooked in the concert hall, and is frequently only used as a finger warm-up for the musicians before the ‘real’ program starts. For this album, however, the overture has become the feature. Featuring overtures by Gluck, Mozart, Cherubini, Beethoven, Weber, and Mendelssohn, this album aims to treat each overture as a “symphonic poem” or a “symphony in one movement.” Bamberger Symphoniker brings these works to life, under the capable baton of Karl-Heinz Steffens.

The recital of works by three Swiss composers- all closely connected to the organ of Saint-Maurice- is of interest not only for the local music scene of the Valais, but also for collectors of organ music and experts in organ building history. Born in 1929 in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Georges Athanasiades’ father who was himself a pianist and choir leader initiated him into music. After completing his classical and theological studies, followed by the study of German literature and musicology at the Universities of Heidelberg and Freiburg, Breisgau, he distinguished himself as organist at the Conservatory of Lausanne, where he received the highest diplomas. A Canon of Abbey Saint-Maurice in Switzerland, a priest since 1952 and longtime professor at the Lycee there, he is titular organist in the Basilica, which possesses a remarkable instrument- the same one heard on this outstanding recording.

For Decades, the Zurcher Sangerknaben Have Been One of the Leading European Boys' Choirs. They Run Their Own Concert Series in Zurich, Give Concerts All Over Europe, in the USA and in China, and Have Performed Under Herbert Von Karajan and Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Among Others. The Zurcher Kammerorchester Looks Back on a Prestigious Past. It's Founder Edmond de Stoutz Was a Close Friend of Many Artists: Yehudi Menuhin, Arturo Benedetti Michelangelo and Maurice Andre Were Regular Soloists. Thanks to Sir Roger Norrington, the Ensemble Is Now a Major International Chamber Orchestra. A Particular Attraction of This Recording Is Jonah Schenkel. As Previously in Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, This Outstanding Boy Soprano Is Absolutely Thrilling. He Fearlessly Masters Every Difficulty in the Solo Sections; His Voice Is Expressive, Pure and Agile, and He Has Exceptional Personal Charisma: A Most Felicitous Combination.

This recording of “The Bis” by Georges Athanasiades is a joyful album, a Serenade rich in delightful and popular melodies. This soundtrack of emotions displays a liberated Queen of instruments. Born in 1929 in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Georges Athanasiades’ father who was himself a pianist and choir leader initiated him into music. After completing his classical and theological studies, followed by the study of German literature and musicology at the Universities of Heidelberg and Freiburg, Breisgau, he distinguished himself as organist at the Conservatory of Lausanne, where he received the highest diplomas. A Canon of Abbey Saint-Maurice in Switzerland, a priest since 1952 and longtime professor at the Lycee there, he is titular organist in the Basilica, which possesses a remarkable instrument- the same one heard on this outstanding recording.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music