Ronald Brautigam - The Piano Concertos, Vol. 2 - SUPER-AUDIO CD [Super Audio CD (SACD)]

Beginning with just the spark to write three trios, composer Carl Vollrath created an intense yet reflective collection of works in Souls In Transitions. This Navona Records moves through waves of contemplation on life, history, and the evolution of spirituality through the performances of violin, cello, and piano by acclaimed pianist Karolina Rojahn. After a colleague of Vollrath's at Troy University listened to the pieces, he told the composer that the first Trio reminded him of images he had seen of ancient Peruvian cave paintings. Indeed, the moments of intensity paired with thoughtfulness in the first movement conjure up a feeling of awe, much like one might have when viewing these paintings created by hands thousands of years gone. Repeating motives with subtle differences, sometimes presenting deep, resonant tones in the lower registers of the strings, other times presenting brisk pizzicato, slurred runs, and climbs to the height of each instrument's voice, all form a sense of wonder and mystery. Trios II and III act in much the same way. Trio II is inspired by the ancient Egyptian ritual of bringing food to tombs to give meals to the deceased on their journey to the afterlife, with the idea being that the dead are not really gone but rather are in another place. Trio III looks into the Buddhist faith, reflecting on it's extensive history and considering how religion evolves just as man does. Between Vollrath's balance of intensity and contemplation in his writing, and the dynamic performances of virtuoso Rojahn and the Summa Trio, Souls In Transitions is a moving performance that demonstrates the power of musical motives and the piano trio. Album Tracks 1. The Secrets of the Magdalenian Caves 2. Tombs of Ancient Times 3. Buddha of the Future

Born in the vicinity of Cologne, only two years after and some sixty km distant from Beethoven, Johann Wilhelm Wilms was once a musical force to be reckoned with. In Amsterdam, where he lived from the age of 19, his music was actually performed more frequently than Beethoven's at one period, and his orchestral works were played in such musical centers as Leipzig. Besides chamber music and solo sonatas Wilms composed several symphonies and solo concertos (for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and cello) as well as piano concertos for his own use, five of which were published between 1799 and 1820. (Two more have been lost.) He also appeared regularly as soloist in concertos by other composers. But already during his lifetime Wilms began to retreat from the public eye, whether because of setbacks in his private life or because he was disillusioned with the superficial tastes of the Amsterdam audiences. By the time of his death in 1847, he was remembered almost exclusively as the composer of the then national anthem. In time for the 250th anniversary of Wilms' birth, Ronald Brautigam has edited the five extant piano concertos by 'the Dutch Beethoven' and presents the first three here, with nos 4 and 5 to follow in a second volume. As on a number of previous, highly acclaimed releases, he is supported by the Kölner Akademie and Michael Alexander Willens.

Import Hybrid-SACD pressing. Details 1. Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 1. Allegro Moderato 2. Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 2. Andante Con Moto 3. Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 3. Rondo. Vivace 4. Piano Concerto in D Major (After the Violin Concerto, Op. 61), Op. 61A 1. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo 5. Piano Concerto in D Major (After the Violin Concerto, Op. 61), Op. 61A 2. Larghetto 6. Piano Concerto in D Major (After the Violin Concerto, Op. 61), Op. 61A 3. Rondo. Allegro