Berlioz - Concert Overtures - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Dohnanyi / Morandi / Slovak Philharmonic - Overtures & Opera Choir [COMPACT DISCS] date 10/14/2016

Germaine Tailleferre is best known for being the only female member of the French group of composers known as Les Six, and her stylish combination of neo-Classicism with a ready wit and energy can be compared to Poulenc and Milhaud. From the captivating Romance written while still a student, to her sparkling music for the 1937 Paris international exhibition, all of these pieces show Tailleferre as being very much at the heart of the contemporary French musical scene. This recording, described by the composer's granddaughter as being 'as though Tailleferre herself was performing these works', is the first of three volumes presenting the complete piano music played by Nicolas Horvath.

Musical life in Greece draws on a legacy that has as much richness and depth as the nation's long and complex history. The vibrant and colorful works on this recording, while representing the country's lively contemporary music scene, make use of traditional melodies and rhythms combined with wider stylistic influences. This unique programme of premiere recordings includes works dedicated to the Aeolos Woodwind Quintet. The Aeolos Woodwind Quintet was formed in 2009 in Athens by leading woodwind soloists. Their aim is to draw attention to the rich Greek repertoire that remains largely unknown, promote Greek composers, and enrich the existing repertoire with commissions for new works.