SACDs - Rossini

The performer and composer Matthias Müller demonstrates here to great effect that the clarinet is well suited to feats of virtuosity. His new concerto centers on subtle aspects of sound as well as rhythmic flexibility. The CD also includes classic items from the solo clarinet repertoire. Includes bonus DVD.

The Swedish baritone Peter Mattei has made a formidable reputation for himself performing at the most prestigious opera houses in the world including the Metropolitan, Teatro alla Scala and Covent Garden.

In the recording studio he is, however, a more rarely seen guest. On this his first and long-awaited disc of arias, he revels in the rich opportunities offered by the baritone literature, performing a selection of his favourite arias and roles. Lovelorn young men and cynical libertines, friends faithful unto death and innocent victims of oppression.

All of these are brought to life as one of today’s finest operatic baritones displays his entire range with the eminent support of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and Lawrence Renes on the podium.

This year, the Netherlands Wind Ensemble celebrates its 50th birthday. The ensemble had already reached world-wide recognition when this recording was made in 1972/3. This is a Remastered Quadro Recording and is of two popular operas arranged for wind ensemble.

On this hybrid SACD the highly regarded Dutch soloist Rudolf Koeman plays Paganini’s first two Violin Concertos with the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra and conductor Jan Willem de Vriend. In order to reflect the virtuosic and operatic style of the concertos, the disc also includes an overture by Rossini entitled “Matilda di Shabran”.

The combination of Paganini’s first two Violin Concertos and a Rossini operatic overture “Matilde di Shabran” points to Paganini’s style of composing. The individual movements are in many ways similar to virtuosic or lyrical opera arias where the solo violin replaces the human voice. Also, like Rossini, Paganini uses a high degree of ornamentation to enhance the expressive quality of music.

Rudolf Koelman was born in Amsterdam in 1959. In 1972 he began an extensive study of the violin under Herman Krebbers at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, and from 1978 to 1981 he was one of Jascha Heifetz’s last pupils at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Until 1999 he was leader of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam.