Wojciech Rajski - Haydn Symphonies - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

A fascinating juxtaposition - the seven early toccatas of J.S. Bach are interweaved with the 6th of Peter Seabourne's nine InchStepsInch cycles, the concept of renowned Bach player, Konstantin Lifschitz. Far from the Romantic toccata style, these canvases are multi-sectional kaleidoscopes of texture and tempi - each a miniature world encompassing virtuosity, intimacy and narrative. In the masterly hands of Lifschitz the result is a monumental journey of extraordinary invention. Konstantin Lifschitz has established a worldwide reputation for performing extraordinary feats of endurance with honesty and persuasive beauty. He is giving recitals and playing concertos in the world's leading concert halls and orchestras, besides being an active recording artist. His performance was praised as Inchthe most magical momentInch and Inchdeeply satisfyingInch by The Independent, and Inchnaturally expressive and grippingInch by the New York Times.

The early 1780s saw the passion for Haydn across Europe reach it's first peak. Ten years later, the composer was considered the most important of his day. In places noted for their music, his latest works sold like hot cakes. And even out in the country, far from fashionable towns and cities, there was an insatiable demand for whatever he had just written. The small North Swabian principality of Oettingen-Wallerstein was no exception. Prince Kraft Ernst, who extravagantly maintained a court ensemble then regarded as one of the best in the German nation, was unstinting in his admiration of the composer and compiled an extensive collection of his works. At the beginning of 1788, Kraft Ernst commissioned his agent in Vienna, von Müller, to ascertain from Haydn himself his price for three new symphonies of which the Prince was to be the sole owner Inchas Joseph Haydn is demonstrably the greatest of Symphonists and I am thoroughly well disposed towards his Music, I should like to obtain three new Symphonies from him, which however nobody save myself should possess. My Court Agent shall tender this my Request to Joseph Haydn and advise me concerning what he will charge and when I shall receive these Symphonies.Inch The composer accepted the commission but explained that he could not deliver at once on account of other obligations. More than a year and a half were to pass before Haydn delivered the commissioned symphonies. The Bavarian Chamber Orchestra (BKO) based in the idyllic spa resort of Bad Brückenau has made a name for itself with innovative projects since it's foundation in 1979. The orchestra consists of first-rate professional musicians from the nations of central Europe, who regularly come together as chamber orchestras or in various chamber ensembles.

Get yourself vaccinated in time! The rococo red Mozart flood is looming on the horizon. In jubilee year it will bring US a plague of catchy tunes, also known as earworms, which you are advised to immunize yourself against to save your ear passages from clogging up. Particular risk of infection is expected from Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K 525 [.....]It is as if the veins of a well-preserved mummy long frozen in glacier ice were to be refilled with living blood and spirits and return to life from eternal cryofication. At one point Mozart jumps so cheekily from G major to E flat major that one cannot he laughing. The old surprises can still spring themselves on US as if they were new. This last movement might be famous but it is too nimble to whistle along to and too lively to be an earwormInch. So it is the best immunization, and the treatment can, by the way, be applied to the surround sound listener via five speakers.Inch (Die Zeit, Volker Hagedorn)