Spring Waltz

The Dutch violinist and conductor is one of the world's most successful touring artists and each year he performs a series of concerts in his hometown of Maastricht in the Netherlands. These concerts are performed in front of thousands of fans and set amongst the cultural backdrop of his beautiful hometown. As always, Andre will be joined by his famous Johann Strauss Orchestra. Sir Anthony Hopkins has composed a Waltz titled, 'And the Waltz Will Go On' which will also be performed. The Maastricht concerts are Andre's most popular concerts of his yearly schedule with his most dedicated fans flying from all over the world to see this incredible event live.

The third and final recording (originally released as "The Jazz Brothers" and now reissued on CD in the OJC series) features trumpeter Chuck Mangione, pianist Gap Mangione and tenor-saxophonist Sal Nistico in a 1961 hard bop quintet. The music is strictly straightahead with four group originals and versions of "What's New" and "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise" being given winning treatments. Even if the overall results are not all that memorable (none of the musicians had distinctive voices yet), the music should please fans of 1950s jazz.

This well-rounded set (released posthumously) features the highly influential pianist Bill Evans in a set of typically sensitive trio performances. With his longtime bassist Eddie Gomez and his drummer of the period, Eliot Zigmund, Evans explores such songs as "We Will Meet Again," Jimmy Rowles's classic "The Peacocks" and the "Theme from M*A*S*H." It's a solid example of the great pianist's artistry.

Shostakovich's introspective Piano Quintet is one of the composer's supreme achievements. Perhaps it was the subtle nod to Baroque forms as well as the Beethoven-like use of fugue that earned this piece a permanent place in the chamber repertoire. The Nash Ensemble, led by Marcia Crayford and Elizabeth Clayton, shines especially in the playful and colorful Scherzo.