Piotr Beczala - Vincero - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Various Artists - Repertoires Polychromes 2 [COMPACT DISCS] date 03/26/1999

Star tenor Piotr Beczala presents a selection of romances by Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky, together with the acclaimed lied accompanist Helmut Deutsch. The romance was the most popular musical genre in nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century Russia, practised by professionals as well as amateurs. Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff both enriched this genre with their lyricism and melodic invention. Elevated by Deutsch's splendid accompaniment, Beczala delivers these songs with a great sense for the Slavic idiom and meaning of the words, combined with colourful lyricism and italianità, perfectly fitting the Russian and cosmopolitan musical language of these two masters. Piotr Beczala is one of the most sought-after tenors of his age, both on the opera and concert stage. His Pentatone debut album Vincerò! has been one of the most successful and critically acclaimed opera recital albums of the last few years. During the 2021 Opus Klassik Awards, Piotr Beczala was crowned as Singer of the Year for this exceptional recording. Pianist Helmut Deutsch is a first-class song accompanist, working together with the greatest vocalists of today. He makes his Pentatone debut.

Ben Watt, former co-leader of Everything But the Girl, respected DJ, and tag head of Buzzin'Fly Records, returns to recording with his first solo album in over 25 years. Described by Watt as 'simply a folk-rock record in an electronic age,' HENDRA continues Watt's groundbreaking work in a genre he helped pioneer with his partner Tracey Thorn in Everything But the Girl through the 80s and 90s. Album features guest appearances from key artists including Bernard Butler, Ewan Pearson, and David Gilmour.