Sylvain Cambreling - CD

This symphony was premiered very successfully in Leipzig and was spared all the reworkings of many of Bruckner's symphonies. A later performance in Munich aroused a wave of enthusiasm which reached Vienna, where Richter conducted the work.

This world famous singer was Belgian, yet only appeared at La Monnaie on the 20th anniversary of his career. After returning from exile, he took many roles and has worked with some of the greatest conductors. This CD includes works by Wagner, Strauss, Mussorgsky, Verdi, Mozart, Rossini, Debussy, Berlioz and Offenbach. These CDs contain a fragment of history.

Bruckner dedicated this symphony “To Dear God” but died before the work was finished. As a result the work has no final movement. The nobility of the music and the moving biographical circumstances, the tone of leave-taking and of turning away from the affairs of this world make every hearing of the work a special experience.

This ensemble was formed in 1946 and is famed for its rapid ability to make sense of new “unplayable” scores, while at the same time being equally familiar with the requirements of “historical performing practice.”

The words of this unusual composition come from a work called “Lallah Rookh” by Thomas Moore, who was a contemporary of Schumann. The Peri is a Persian spirit who has been cast out of Paradise. In this work, Schumann produced some rich choral writing and the role of Peri is a particularly difficult one. Sylvain Cambreling conducts.

This accomplished choir turns its attention to some challenging 20th century compositions.

Nowadays it is difficult to appreciate how inventive a composer Haydn was. He was responsible for the genres of the string quartet and the symphony. These three examples of his symphonic repertoire demonstrate that inventiveness.

2CD+DVD

This experienced choir perform a favourite Christmas work with soloists Jane Henschel contralto, Yann Beuron tenor, Phillipe Rouillon bass, Gabor Breta baritone and Eric Martin-Bonnet bass with Sylvain Cambreling conducting.

Don Quichotte a Dulcinée was written in 1932. Ravel’s mother was Basque and Spanish influences and titles are a recurring element throughout his work. The words of the three songs are by Morand. A bonus DVD is included.

One of Verdi’s masterpieces sung by excellent singers, combined with two complimentary works. Conducted by Cambreling, this is a stunning recording on 2 SACDs.