Michael Massong’s debut recital on MDG contains a program: lyrical pieces, in large part especially arranged for this CD, display a vocal quality of trombone playing that is without equal. Rachmaninoff’s famous “Vocalise,” the fine emotion of Carl Maria von Weber’s “Romanze,” and Franz Liszt’s “Romance oubliée,” in which Michael Massong teases previously unheard-of vocal expressive depth out of his instrument.

Michael Massong is a genuine globetrotter. Born in Germany, he studied with all the greats of his instrument in Frankfurt, London, and New York and travels around the globe for master classes and solo performances. In order to meet his high demands, he has developed his own series of alto and tenor trombones in cooperation with the Thein brothers.