Bret Mckenzie Songs Without Jokes

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.

Unable to find the right words for a friend in need, French film composer Anne Chmelewsky turns instead to music’s power to express the inexpressible. Here, in the unusual ensemble of trombone, strings, harp, vibraphone and piano, she creates exquisite beauty, coloured by a tender, almost otherworldly playfulness.

Stefano Parrino was born in Bormio in Italy. He was awarded a diploma with honours at the "G. Verdi Conservatory of Milan" and continued his studies at the "Conservatoire supérieur" at Geneva where he studied with Maxence Larrieu and won the "prix de virtuosité".

After 33 vocal albums, this is Camerata Trajectina's first purely instrumental album, boasting the excellence of the ensemble's instrumental players.