Martens Hof

Henri Vieuxtemps’ fiendishly difficult but beautifully melodious Cello Concerto no. 1 in A minor is the central work on this album, which also includes Saint-Saens’ Cello Concerto no. 1, as well as his Allegro Appassionato, which is seldom heard in its orchestral guise. All these works are French/Belgian in origin and pioneered by the leading Belgian cellists of the day. South African cellist Peter Martens, who himself enjoys Belgian ancestry, is partnered with Bernhard Gueller, showcasing the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at its very best. “Martens’ cello is one of the most beautiful sounds – a deep rich harmonic wooden stringed singing being. His playing is superb, compassionate elegant phrasing, and flawless technique.

There are artists who have exhausted all their creative ideas with their first CD and then reproduce themselves again and again. And those who live the music. This includes the Dutch pianist Jasper van't Hof. Full of energy, constantly with new projects. He received the Boy Edgar Award on 6 December 2018 for his life's work in Amserdam.

This album captures an electrifying live performance from Dutch jazz keyboardist Jasper van’t Hof and his band: Bob Malach on sax, Miroslav Vitous on bass and drummer Alphonse Mouzon, recorded in Montreux in July 1979. The fusion-laden material spotlights the musicians at their best: a pyrotechnical display where everyone solos and all the solos burn, recorded with a beautifully clear, clean live sound.