Prague Philharmonic Choir - Symphony No. 2 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Trombone legend Giancarlo Schiaffini started to collaborate with percussionist Andrea Centazzo in 1977. After a hiatus of about 30 years Andrea and Giancarlo met again in NY in 2012 for the celebration of the 35th anniversary of ICTUS and the collaboration was rekindled. A South America tour followed and more concerts in Europe. The duo, finally re-established, is active recording and playing duet music and interacting with other musicians.

The Czech Philharmonic and Music Director, Semyon Bychkov, continue their acclaimed Mahler cycle with the composer's First Symphony, one of the most evocative and colourful symphonic debuts in the history of the genre. Mahler once famously said that Incha symphony should be like the world, it should encompass everything.Inch In his First Symphony, he creates just such a world, filled with animal sounds, hunting horns, rural dances, klezmer bands and allusions to his own songs and folk song melodies such as Frère Jacques. These elements all function within a highly subjective, immersive symphonic drama, providing a blueprint for most of his symphonies to come. Semyon Bychkov and the Czech Philharmonic approach the composer's firstling with their esteemed eye for detail and pacing, matched by their unmistakably Bohemian sound. The Czech Philharmonic is one of the world's orchestral gems, recognised for it's rich tradition with the Czech masters as well as European repertoire. Semyon Bychkov who is internationally renowned for his interpretations of the core repertoire, began his tenure with the Orchestra at the start of the 2018/19 season. Their recording of Mahler's First Symphony follows Mahler's Fourth and Fifth Symphonies (both 2022) and the Second Symphony (2023), part of the complete Mahler cycle to be released by Pentatone.

?InchI don't want to betray that constantly sounding tone in me, through which I hear the world around,Inch acknowledged Sergei Rachmaninov. This tone stimulated by the intonations of folk melodies and bell ringing, and the imagery of the Russian landscape, permeates his Second Symphony. It became a landmark work for the Ural Philharmonic Orchestra, whose performances in the leading concert venues of Europe and Asia were widely admired. Dmitry Liss, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Orchestra has created a musical collective of remarkable quality during his 25-year tenure. A life-long personal favourite of Liss, Rachmaninov is frequently included in the Orchestra's programmes, both in Russia and abroad. InchFor me, his music is as much a symbol of the flourishing Russian culture of the Silver Age as works by Bunin and ChekhovInch, states Liss. InchHis music always captivates me with it's incredible emotional sincerity expressed in a reserved, noble and aristocratic way. Perhaps it's this combination which gives his music such extraordinary depth.Inch