Schmitt: La Tragedie De Salome, Le Palais Hante, Psaume 47 Tortelier, Bullock, Sao Paulo Symphony (2011)

Sentimental, dynamic, exuberant, multi-talented and extremely eclectic, Francisco Mignone, whose Italian background brought a sense of universality to his musical nationalism, was a leading figure in the Brazilian music scene during the 20th century. The Clarinet Concertino and Bassoon Concertino share a nationalist idiom: the dialogues between soloist and orchestra extend into expressive duets with the exciting use of rapid embolada – a Brazilian form of poetry and song. The elegant Guitar Concerto is filled with drama and vitality, while the Violin Concerto was summed up by one critic as ‘the greatest work of this challenging genre in the history of Brazilian music.'

In France, where jazz enjoyed a greater influence on classical composers than perhaps anywhere else, there was a regular explosion of trumpet works during the 20th century (‘but, my dear fellow, Louis Armstrong is doing wonders in the top register. Why should this be impossible for a classical player?!’ André Jolivet).

Sentimental, dynamic, exuberant, multi-talented and extremely eclectic, Francisco Mignone, whose Italian background brought a sense of universality to his musical nationalism, was a leading figure in the Brazilian music scene during the 20th century. The Clarinet Concertino and Bassoon Concertino share a nationalist idiom: the dialogues between soloist and orchestra extend into expressive duets with the exciting use of rapid embolada – a Brazilian form of poetry and song. The elegant Guitar Concerto is filled with drama and vitality, while the Violin Concerto was summed up by one critic as ‘the greatest work of this challenging genre in the history of Brazilian music.'

The sparkling overture to Leonard Bernstein's 1956 musical Candide immediately found a prominent place in concert programmes all over the world and is now one of his most frequently performed pieces. Many of Bernstein's best-loved works drew inspiration from the city of New York, and this is true both of the three sailors pursuing female conquest in the ballet Fancy Free, and of the rip-roaring swing rhythm and big tunes from the musical Wonderful Town. Bernstein celebrated his friends and family with his Anniversaries - piano vignettes heard here for the first time in colourfully expanded orchestrations. Marin Alsop's long association with Bernstein gives her unique insights into his music.

À vingt-huit ans, Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt entreprend une randonnée dans le grand sud algérien. Au cours de l'expédition, il perd de vue ses compagnons et s'égare dans l'immensité du Hoggar. Sans eau ni vivres durant la nuit glaciale du désert, il n'éprouve nulle peur mais sent au contraire se soulever en lui une force brûlante. …

This recording brings together music from some of Leonard Bernstein's best-loved scores with seldom heard occasional works and premiere recordings. From the iconic musical West Side Story, the hot-blooded dance number Mambo embodies the show's dramatic tensions. Slava! celebrates Bernstein's friend and colleague, the cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich, in music reworked from the daring show 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, from which the Suite rescues further highlights. CBS Music has not been heard since the broadcasting giant's 50th birthday celebrations in 1978, while the Birthday Bouquet takes the for of affectionate musical tributes from eight composer colleagues to one of the 20th century's greatest musicians. Marin Alsop's long association with Bernstein gives her unique insights into his music.