Max Bruch

These choral compositions demonstrate Bruch‘s masterly vocal writing particularly well. His choral sound is characterised by simple, folksong-like melodic lines and uncomplicated harmony which is intentionally held in rein. It was Bruch‘s dream to become Mendelssohn‘s successor in choral composition, but his unaccompanied choral works are evidence of another ideal - that of the folksong. In contrast to the specifically heroic style of the large oratorios, the unaccompanied works are marked by calm inwardness.

From Newton Classics comes an innovative new compilation: fourteen ‘songs’, all transcribed for double bass, hailing from countries all over the world.

Compiled by the performer Sciascia, the release effectively sweeps across mainland Asia detailing works taken from the Far East, Europe and the Middle East. From Max Bruch’s highly sentimental Kol Nidrei, originally written for cello and orchestra and based on two Jewish themes, to Spain’s intoxicating Cancion de Amor, the CD documents a wealth of traditional melodies. Also featured are more recent contributions – such as the Japanese Aijyou (meaning ‘friendship’), which Yoshihiro Utsumi wrote especially for the bassist.

Providing a fascinating insight into the variety of culture found across the globe, Sciascia blends the familiar with the lesser known to present a compilation that brims with colour.

The talented bassist’s choice of cantabile repertoire reflects his long-standing wish to play the double bass as if it were a human voice, and he has achieved just that: this is an admirable follow-up to Sciascia’s last Bottesini recording for Newton, revealing once again how an instrument not generally associated with solo repertoire is capable of holding its own – and to great effect.

Stefano Sciascia was born in 1960 and took up the bass at the age of sixteen. He is now a busy and much-recorded bass soloist, who has formed numerous ensembles and published many collections of arrangements and original works.

1SACD + Bonus DVD

Talented violinist Philippe Quint combines lyricism, poetry and impeccable virtuosity in his performances and has twice been nominated for a Grammy award. The Times referred to his “bravura technique and unflagging energy.” He has impressed audiences across the world and here performs these works on a Stradivarius violin.

When listening to these recordings one feels his sense of rhythm and timing and the unforced, natural sound that is Endre Wolf’s hallmark. His timing in the last movement of the Mozart Concerto or the stunning rendering of the Tchaikovsky Concerto are wonderful examples of this. He plays fast and clear but is never in a hurry. His timing is immaculate.

This is Ensemble Liaison’s debut CD. The group was formed in 2006 and is Monash University’s Ensemble in Residence. They have performed throughout Australia including for Musica Viva, and have appeared on ABC-TV’s Sunday Arts program.

This CD contains the two major chamber works for this instrumental combination: the youthful Beethoven Trio, written when he was just 27; the late Brahms Trio, written for clarinettist Richard Muhlfield whose inspired playing brought Brahms out of retirement and to conclude the recital the beautiful and harmonically daring Eight Pieces by Bruch.