Nikolaus Harnoncourt - Haydn Mozart Beethoven - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Nikolaus Harnoncourt was one of the most influential conductors of the 20th century, a pioneer who redefined how we listen to music. A cellist by training, he first revolutionised Baroque performance with his own Concentus musicus Wien, before seeking an ensemble that could bring the same spirit of discovery to the Classical and Romantic repertoire. His encounter in 1986 with the young Chamber Orchestra of Europe was the beginning of a unique artistic partnership. Harnoncourt demanded extremes of colour, tension and risk, challenging the musicians to abandon routine and rediscover the radical force of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert or Schumann. What began as a trial evolved into decades of groundbreaking concerts, operas and recordings, from revelatory Beethoven cycles to Schumann and even Gershwin. Their collaboration not only transformed the orchestra but also left a lasting mark on performance history, setting interpretative standards that continue to inspire musicians worldwide.

Singers of English Song have a vast treasury in which to find their repertoire. Michael Head's songs are generally well known, but many of Eric Thiman's songs are rarely performed and have never been recorded commercially. These beautiful performances by Emily Gray and Nicole Johnson should help to end their obscurity. (Dorothy Webster) Emily has performed as a soloist at the Royal Albert Hall, St. Paul's, Kings Place, and the Purcell Room as well as performing live on BBC Radio 3's In Tune. She has taken leading roles in Dove's 'Mansfield Park', Monteverdi's 'L'incoronazione di Poppea', McNeff's 'Banished' and in Baroquestock's production of Haydn's 'Lo Speziale'. Nicole Johnson is a successful freelance pianist, vocal coach and MD, based in London. She gained a first class BMus (Hons) degree from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in classical piano (2017) where she was awarded the Dave Gosling Prize for Piano Accompaniment, and continued her studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (MPerf Piano Accompaniment, distinction, 2019).

The experimental female vocal trio Juice Vocal Ensemble joins Resonus Classics for this unique and innovative collection of seasonal and winter music for upper voices. Formed around works written specially for Juice in a call for scores on a wintry theme, the programme of world premiere recordings also contains new works and arrangements by the group's three members as well as pieces from Simon Speare, Tarik O'Regan, Bernard Hughes David Breslin, and a new commission from composer Emily Hall. Juice are at the forefront of the UK's experimental/classical scene, performing new vocal music which draws on classical, world music, jazz, folk, pop, improvisation, and theatre. They have been featured on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. Juice love experimenting with various art forms and cross-collaboration they have had their music choreographed by Maurice Causey, have devised their own live vocal score to the 1916 film The Danger Girl, have performed live for a London College of Fashion Show, and have worked with internationally renowned beatboxers Shlomo and Beardyman. All members are experienced and passionate music educators.