Ragin Wenk-Wolff - Violin Concertos - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

A period of twenty-one years separates Brahms' two Cello Sonatas. Suffused with lyricism and expressive ardor, the First has become one of his most popular chamber works. The Second is more sober and succinct than the earlier work, yet strikingly original not least for the wide range required of the cellist to reach unusually high notes from the very low register. Chosen to suit the cello's particular color and articulation, the six songs are heard in idiomatic and sensitive arrangements which stay as close as possible to the originals.

This new features studio and live broadcast recordings, never previously issued and newly remastered from the original tapes, of Romantic and 20th-century Danish music. Highlights include an atmospheric tone-poem by Gade, ballet and concert scores based on fairy-tales of Hans Christian Andersen, an overture to celebrate the end of the Nazi occupation of Denmark and a colorful set of orchestral variations based on Danish radio ´s theme tune. The performances bear witness to the high technical standard of the DRSO ´s playing, nearly 70 years ago, as well as to the tireless advocacy of Launy Grøndahl for the music of his own country.

Ragin Wenk-Wolff - Romantic Concertos [COMPACT DISCS] date 09/26/2006