MDG label - CDs

In 1904 Karl Straube published his own edition of music by Bach, Walther, Pachelbel, Buxtehude and others and adapted them to the organ’s modern capabilities. Today, the edition offers an impressive glance at historical performance practice. Andreas Sieling gives us an authentic look at the interpretation of baroque organ music at the beginning of the 20th century.

Boccherini himself described these works as richly varied in style and as full of expression as his “opera grande”. He composed them in Madrid and must have found outstanding ensemble partners, as the cello part is virtuosic and equal to that of the other instruments. L’interpretaion du Flieder Trio est un veritable enchantment.” Diapason

This release marks the end of a magnificent project. The Utrecht String Quartet has an absolute command of form, enthusing listeners with a nuanced wealth of tone colours. “The Utrecht String Quartet plays the powerful works with sovereignty and offers a sophisticated tonal culture…” Crescendo

Il Trionfo di Clelia is an important opera seria and was composed for the dedication of the new Bologna Theatre in 1763. The lost original score of the premiere has been found, so that the work can be presented again in its first version, 250 years later as a world premiere recording. Hélène Le Corre in the lead role sings a fantastic Clelia; just listen to the breathtaking sparkle of the coloratura.

Hauer invented his own twelve-tone technique and his works are rarely heard on the concert stage. This is a recording premiere by Steffen Schleiermacher, who specialises in contemporary music. He has been described as “a truly outstanding and fascinating musician.” Gramophone

Christian Zacharias continues his successful series with his inimitable interpretations. The recording of K503 appears for the first time as a SACD, offering listeners the opportunity for fascinating musical comparison with previous releases.

The Charis Ensemble presents three of Jean Françaix’s principal chamber works in a fresh new interpretation in which instrumental perfection and sophisticated wit form a spirited symbiosis.

This recording brings together an all-star European cast: the Consortium Classicum member Gernot Schmalfuß, Thomas Quasthoff and Katharina Kammerloher, the rising star of the German Opera of Berlin

Massenet is best known as a composer for the stage, but composed works for the piano over a period of forty years. During his studies at the Paris Conservatory, he received a first prize in piano. Stefan Irmer has a particular fondness for French piano music and knows just how and when to draw on the Steinway concert grand piano’s tonal shadings.

Anette Maiburg always finds the right musicians for her “Classica” series.

After Cuban, Venezuelan and Argentine albums, this time our tour takes us to the rich and varied regions of Spanish folklore and classical music. Included are pieces by Omar Acosta, Juan Lama, François Rabbath and Chick Coreas “Spain” which combines borrowings from Rodrigo with new jazz elements.