Tchaikovsky / Douglas - Tchaikovsky Plus One 2 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

?Lieder ohne Worte - Songs without Words - seems to be a description invented by Mendelssohn himself for these short, lyrical and descriptive piano pieces which he composed so prolifically. Indeed, it is arguable that these works define his pianistic output in the same way that the Mazurka defines Chopin's. Publishing them in sets of six, Mendelssohn composed Lieder ohne Worte throughout his career - they proved a type of composition to which he had a lifetime attraction. For the first volume, rather than approaching them chronologically or as complete sets, Peter Donohoe selected pieces to build a satisfying programme. Here he does the same with all the pieces that remain. In addition, the album features three free-standing significant works. The 17 Variations sérieuses, from 1841, is one of Mendelssohn's largest solo piano works, and was published in an album to raise funds for a monument to Beethoven. The Phantasie on 'The Last Rose of Summer' is a much earlier work, based on the Irish folk melody that - with added words by the Irish poet Thomas Moore - took Europe by storm in the early 1800s. The album concludes with Rachmaninoff's piano transcription of the Scherzo from A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Two of the most popular romantic Russian piano works from the mid-1870s are heard on this new album from the celebrated Barry Douglas. Lyricism lies at the heart of the twelve movements of Tchaikovsky's 'The Seasons' (1875-76), commissioned by the periodical Nouvelliste to appear monthly, accompanied by poetic epigraphs. Tchaikovsky got his servant to remind him of his duty on a certain day in the month, and composed each piece in a single sitting. Each reflects characteristics of a different month, the style is simple, the mood introspective. While the poetic aspect of The Seasons was prompted by the individual musical contributions, 'Pictures at an Exhibition' (1874) was provoked by a visit which Mussorgsky made to an exhibition of sketches and paintings by his late friend Viktor Hartmann. The technically demanding memorial, a popular genre in Russian romanticism, is here played thoughtfully and sympathetically by Barry Douglas.

Chris Ousey has had an excellent singing career that goes way back to the times of InchMonroeInch and InchVirginia WolfInch and along the way we have had InchThe DistanceInch, InchOzoneInch and InchSnakecharmerInch but he will always be known for the much loved InchHeartlandInch. He is nicknamed InchThe man with the golden tonsilsInch and that is a fine accolade indeed for he has earned it. His effortless vocal range has gained him a top spot in the world of classic UK hard rock. Heartland was formed in 1990 by Chris Ousey and Gary Sharpe and Steve Morris joined in 1995 when Heartland III was released (the first for Escape Music). Steve has been in the band since then right up the 2007 InchMind Your headInch. InchInto the FutureInch marks a new era for Heartland, their brand-new and a fantastic new line up with Chris's vocals still showing no signs of tiring! This marks their 10th Studio album, a milestone indeedHere we have an album that reflects the prowess of all the musicians involved on this album, featuring the fantastic Mike Slamer (City Boy / Streets / Seventh Key / Steelhouse Lane) and Ged Rylands (Ten / Rage of Angels / Tyketto) along with the seasoned Barish Kepic, Wayne Banks and David Anthony. InchInto the FutureInch is typically Heartland, the style is immediately recognised yet there is a fresh, vibrant feel that gives the fans something new. The song InchForeign LandInch has already had an airing (Escape-Music. Com) and is a typical song from the album, this is what melodic rock is all about!