British-German tenor, Rufus Muller, was acclaimed by The New York Times following a performance in Carnegie Hall as "... easily the best tenor I have heard in a live Messiah". His unique dramatic interpretation of the Evangelist in Bach's Passions confirmed his status as one of the world's most sought-after performers. On this recital, he performs Beethoven's Scottish Folksongs Op.108 alongside the Hammer Clavier Trio.
On Curtis Stigers's 2022 release, this multi platinum artist takes a look back with new versions of his international hits "I Wonder Why," "Never Saw A Miracle," and "You're All That Matters To Me," as well as "This Life," the theme song to the TV show Sons Of Anarchy, and (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding" from The Bodyguard soundtrack. Stigers revisits these classics and more, in his signature laid back, jazzy, bluesy style. Track-listing: 1. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding 2. You're All That Matters To Me 3. I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now 4. I Wonder Why 5. This Life 6. Keep Me From The Cold 7. Summertime 8. Don't Go Far 9. Tonight Will Be Fine 10. Swingin' Down At 10th And Main 11. Never Saw A Miracle
Julius Asal - "SIENA TAPES". Inspired by the 150th anniversary of Ravel's birth, Asal curates a personal program that combines the French composer's music with his own improvisatory pieces. SIENA TAPES presents Ravel's Jeux d'eau, Prelude in A minor, Menuet sur le nom de Haydn and A la maniere de Borodine, interwoven with Asal's Prelude (3191) and Cascades I-III.
In 1964, vocalist Karin Krog released Norway's first jazz solo LP, and By Myself has helped shape her career as a singer. In 2026, 62 years after the first release, she releases the LP Tomorrow's Yesterday, and it cannot be ruled out that this may be her last physical album. All the songs are recorded in duo or trio format. The musical sounds are excitingly combined with her voice and Rob Luft on guitar, John Surman on saxophone/bass clarinet on side A. Whilst on side B we hear Karin Krog with Erlend Slettevoll on piano/electric piano and Rob Waring on vibraphone.
In 1696, the Salzburg court conductor Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber described his print of seven chamber suites ("Partien") for two string instruments and basso continuo as "artful vocal harmony" in ornate Latin. These trio sonatas are of a special kind, because the two upper voices are not limited to the typical imitations practised in Italy at that time, but Biber allows the solo voices to be played in a free, expressive manner. He allows them to shine in a different light in virtuoso interplay above the bass foundation, repeatedly in full-bodied polyphony or in chords. In addition, new timbres are created through the use of the violin, viola and viola d'amore in various combinations and the 'detuning' of the strings (scordatura) to achieve different string tensions and thus give the instruments a sharper or softer sound. This recording is the third installment of the Biber recordings with Harmonie Universelle.
Elina Garanca/Christian Thielemann/Wiener Philharmoniker - "Live From Salzburg - Wagner: Wesendonck- Lieder/Mahler: Ruckert-Liede" In two live Salzburg Festival concerts, given a year apart yet both marked by the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, Elina Garanca sings orchestral songs with Christian Thielemann and the Wiener Philharmoniker. Their interpretations of Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder ("velvety, immensely rich in fine shadings" - Opera-online. Com) and Mahler's Ruckert Lieder ("simply to die for" - Bachtrack. Com) are moving tributes to the power of live performance following months of silence. Verve Label Group; Deutsche Grammophon; Classical
Ian Bostridge and Leif Ove Andsnes have recorded many acclaimed Schubert albums together, among which was this recording of the pinnacle of the Lieder repertoire, Schubert's Winterreise. .This partnership is one of the most inspired of record-company matchmakings: the two musicians really do test and try each other at every turn, as well as being mutually supportive" The Times .[...] acuteness of colour and detail is characteristic of the performance of both artists who, more than most, highlight the mordant, ironic self-awareness that undercuts the wanderer's despair." BBC Music Magazine .It is a highly involving performance and is continually lifted by Leif Ove Andsnes's imaginative and atmospheric accompaniments. The recording is beautifully balanced, and this remains an unforgettable performance." The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music
This 2-CD release tells the story of Pollinis triumphant reunion with Staatskapelle Dresden in 2011 and 2013 and includes the acclaimed recordings of Brahmss Piano Concertos with Christian Thielemann. Those who admire the intelligent, direct and stylishly lean virtuosity that Maurizio Pollini has long brought to Brahmss Piano Concertos will want to know how the pianists recent recordings with Christian Thielemann and the Staatskapelle Dresden compare with his two earlier versions, both conducted by the late Claudio Abbado.
2021 release. During 2020, many artists used their time at home to connect with their family and friends. Ernie Haase not only did that, he and Signature Sound also continued ministering through music. When so many people were offering pay-per-view online concerts, EHSS came into their fans' living rooms on Friday nights with a full half-hour of music and encouragement - for free. Letters and emails from viewers indicated that this was often the only ray of hope during the season of isolation, loss, and grief. Keeping On was born in that darkness, fear, and anxiety that seemed to grip us all. If all you've got left is just one more breath, rise up in faith - take one more step. Keep on keeping on. Filled with songs of encouragement, hope, unity, and praise, Keeping On is the perfect collection of songs for this time. The first single, "Wake Up," released October 2020 and has climbed the Southern Gospel radio charts (currently #22). Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is poised for a banner year with the release of Keeping On. This album serves as a springboard for their concert tour, as well as season two of their web series, which will be rebranded as "Good To Be Home." Join EHSS in the journey into the light through these fun, fresh, faith-focused songs as they inspire us to Keep On Keeping On.
Under the name Wanderer - the iconic figure of Romanticism - the guitar duo formed by Giacomo Copiello and Michele Tedesco makes its debut with a recording containing an exceptionally romantic repertoire. The performers' careful choice of instruments offers the listener a varied range of historic guitars sounds: early 20th century instruments for the transcribed repertoire of Brahms, Schubert and Franck while the works of Mertz are played on the traditional 19th century romantic instruments they were originally intended for.
With this album, Daniel Hope presents a personal collection of timeless classics by Schubert, Elgar and P"rt, several beloved traditional songs, and a brand new arrangement of the inspiring and spiritual Misa Criolla by Ariel Ram¡rez. "Music has a tremendous power," says Daniel Hope. "This album is my attempt to send out a ray of hope and provide people, including myself, with a sense of support and a feeling of trust."
The Kammerakademie Potsdam (Chamber Academy Potsdam) and it's principal conductor Antonello Manacorda will complete their new Beethoven cycle with the release of all nine Symphonies in a special 5-CD boxset out on Sony Classical on May 3. As the third and final installment in the series, the release will include their new recording of Beethoven's Third, Fourth and Eighth Symphonies as well as the composer's legendary Ninth Symphony. The release coincides with the 200-year anniversary celebrations of the premiere performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in early May. The first two installments in the ensemble's Beethoven cycle recording have been released to great critical acclaim.
Jeff Parker & ETA IVtet Happy Today - Led by guitarist Jeff Parker, featuring saxophonist Josh Johnson, bassist Anna Butterss, anddrummer Jay Bellerose, the ETA IVtet is a band that grew out of a weekly residency started byParker in 2016 at Northeast Los Angeles venue ETA. Over seven years of holding down that residency, Parker's ETA ensemble evolved from a bandthat played mostly standards into a group known for it's transcendent, long-form (sometimesstretching out for 45 minutes or more) journeys into innovative, often uncharted territories ofgroove-oriented, painterly, polyrhythmic, minimalist and mantric improvised music.
World premiere recording. Mozart's magnificent setting of the Requiem Mass needs no introduction. One of his last works and a landmark of choral music, it is paired on this album with a new and complementary work by the pianist and composer Fazil Say: Mozart ve Mevlana, an homage to Mozart's Requiem, based on the texts of 13th-century mystic Mevlana Rumi. Introducing Mozart ve Mevlana, Fazil Say says: "Mevlana is a great philosopher from the Eastern world - the Orient. I'm from Turkey. I thought: 'Why not unite East and West in love and friendship through texts from the great philosopher Mevlana and quotations from the music of a composer of genius like Mozart in a fluid musical space?... I play all Mozart's works for piano and I have recorded them all. So Mozart plays a very special role in my life... Mozart's music is the music of humanity. Likewise, Mevlana's words unite people regardless of their religion or belief."
The original musical, about one student's struggle for identity amidst the chaos of high school, features a score by the Tony and Emmy-nominated songwriting team of Pasek and Paul (Dogfight, A Christmas Story), a book by Obie Award winner Levenson (Masters of Sex), choreography by Danny Mefford (Fun Home), and direction by three-time Tony nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal, If/Then). The cast of Dear Evan Hansen includes Ben Platt, Laura Dreyfuss, Rachel Bay Jones, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Mike Faist, Michael Park, Will Roland and Kristolyn Lloyd, and Michael Lee Brown, Garrett Long, Olivia Puckett, Colton Ryan, and Asa Somers.
Schubert: Lieder / Elizabeth Watts, Roger Vignoles
Sony Masterworks
CD
$11.98Jan 06, 2009
Graceful phrasing and vernal freshness characterise this promising recital
Lovers of song in the know are watching, and listening to, Elizabeth Watts. This lovely album should let others in on the secret (OK, she has won a couple of major prizes so it’s already not that much of a secret). The voice is silvery and fresh. And with such a young voice these Lieder are imbued with a sense of first love, first loss. Roger Vignoles as ever is among the most perceptive of accompanists.
-- Gramophone [2/2009]
3262500.az_SCHUBERT_Lieder_Elizabeth_Watts.html
SCHUBERT Lieder • Elizabeth Watts (sop); Roger Vignoles (pn) • RCA 732932 (71:23 Text and Translation)
An den Mond. Suleika I. Im Abendrot. Sei mir gegrüsst. Die Forelle. Heimliches Lieben. Der Sänger am Felsen. Thekla: ein Geisterstimme. An die Sonne. Aus Diego Manzanares. Nacht und Träume. Frühlingsglaube. Die Blumensprache. Nähe des Geliebten. An die Nachtigall. Liane. Des Mädchens Klage. Nachtviolen. Marie. Lambertine. Die Männer sind méchant
Here is a new release—though not her debut album—from English soprano Elizabeth Watts, who is a member of the BBC Radio 3’s “New Generation Artists” program. And what an absolutely ravishing recording it is.
Watts displayed an early interest in and talent for singing as a chorister at Norwich Cathedral, but initially pursued a more pragmatic course of study in archaeology at Sheffield University. In 2002, however, she won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music Britten International Opera School, where she studied with Lillian Watson and won several prizes, chief among which were the Kathleen Ferrier Prize in 2006 and the MIDEM Outstanding Young Artist Award in 2007. She has since been active on the British opera stage in roles that have included Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro and Papagena in The Magic Flute.
Watts’s voice, at this stage of her career, strikes me as being an ideal instrument for Schubert’s songs, calling to mind the intensely focused clarity and laser-like delivery of Elly Ameling in her four-disc Schubert collection with pianists Dalton Baldwin and Rudolf Jensen on Philips. Watts’s voice, though, has a bit more heft to it, not having quite the soubrette-like quality that makes Ameling’s voice so perfectly suited to the German Lied and French mélodie repertoire, but less so to the heavier operatic dramatic soprano roles. Watts, I think, as her voice develops and becomes weightier still, will be able to widen her own repertoire to include some of the heavier Italian opera roles of Verdi and perhaps even Puccini. It’s exciting to hear another great operatic stage soprano in the making.
Her Schubert recital is a well-chosen mix of the familiar—An den Mond, Im Abendrot, and Die Forelle—and less frequently heard songs such as Aus “Diego Manzanares, Lambertine, and Die Männer sind méchant. You can hear these songs, of course, in Graham Johnson’s comprehensive Schubert collection, assuming you have acquired every one of them. Aus Diego Manzanares, to a poem by Franz Xaver von Schlechta, appears in Volume 17 sung by Lucia Popp; Lambertine, to a poem by Josef Ludwig Stoll, is sung by Arleen Auger in Volume 9; and Die Männer sind méchant, to a poem by Johann Gabriel Seidl, appears in Volume 13, sung by Marie McLaughlin. In each case, however, comparing them side by side with Watts, I preferred Watts, both for the crystalline purity of her voice and for her highly musical phrasing and sensitive shading of the words.
Roger Vignoles has perhaps not lived and breathed Schubert quite to the extent that Graham Johnson has, nor made his mark almost exclusively as a partner in song; but Vignoles’s wider-ranging reach into chamber music and 20th-century repertoire informs his Schubert with a hindsight that can at times impart a feeling to these songs that transcends their time and place.
As densely packed with Schubert Lieder recitals as the current catalog is, it calls to mind Carl Sagan’s “billions and billions of stars.” So any new addition would have to shine brightly indeed to warrant special notice; and this, one, in my opinion, does. Very strongly recommended.
Sean Shepherd: On a clear day - An einem klaren Tag
CAvi-music
CD
$17.99Nov 07, 2025
Kent Nagano and Jan Vogler, the American in Germany and the German in the United States, perpetually crossing the Atlantic and calling both continents home, embody and live this once so powerful transatlantic ideal in every respect. For they are bound by much more than a deep artistic friendship and their collaborative work. They share-even more comprehensively-a worldview and understanding of life based on the Western, humanistic canon of values that Europeans once carried across the Atlantic to their new world... "It was precisely this transatlantic idea that drove me when Jan and I developed this project a few years ago," says Kent Nagano. "Hamburg was the link to the New World not just for the people of Hamburg, but for millions of Europeans." This was to be reflected in a musical work capable of carrying this idea into the future. For good reason: for years, the continents have seemingly been drifting apart. The world-renowned conductor does not hide his concern about this development. "It was also important to me to anchor the transatlantic idea in the next generation through children's and youth choirs on both sides of the ocean, who could work together and spend time with each other." The result is the oratorio "An einem klaren Tag - On a Clear Day" for cello, choir, and orchestra. The participants in the project underscore the thematic concern: the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra, texts by the well-known German poet Ulla Hahn set to music by the young American composer Sean Shepherd, who made a name for himself in the United States at a very early age, various youth choirs from Germany and New York, along with the German star cellist Jan Vogler and Nagano as the American conductor of the Hamburg State Opera, who grew up where America is farthest from Europe-in a fishing village on the American West Coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles ... (Excerpts from booklet notes by Inge Kloepfer)
