FRANZ SCHUBERT - PIANO TRIO NO. 2

The Piano Trio No. 2 was performed at the Vienna Musikverein on the first anniversary of Beethoven’s death – its extremes of urgent drama and sublime bittersweet lyricism are characteristic of Schubert’s artistic surge during his final year.

NORDIC CHORAL MUSIC

SWEDEN, NORWAY, FINLAND, DENMARK
Sagas, myths, vast realms. Snow-capped mountains, dark forests and an overarching stillness and peace. The cultures of Scandinavia have always exerted a huge fascination over people.

A REQUIEM BY ALEX FREEMAN

Freeman’s requiem Under the arching heavens was commissioned by Nils Schweckendiek and the Helsinki Chamber Choir to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1918 Finnish civil war. The work incorporates poems in Finnish, Swedish and English, reflecting both the specific reason for the commission and the universality of human suffering caused by war.

NORGARD/RUDERS - WORKS FOR SOLO CELLO

Cellist Wilhelmina Smith’s second album release on Ondine continues exploring contemporary Nordic repertoire for solo cello. In her new album Smith has focus on Danish contemporary composers, Per Nørgård (b. 1932) and Poul Ruders (b. 1949).

LINDBERG & NIELSEN CLARINET CONCERTOS

Sebastian Manz writes: “It seems only logical at first glance to unite two Scandinavian composers, Carl Nielsen and Magnus Lindberg, on one [album], and it must be said that we are talking about two works that have permanently influenced and changed me as a musician.