Grosso Next World

Alfred Schnittke - Concerto Grosso No. 4 (Symphony No. 5) - GSO, Neeme Järvi (1988) {BIS Schnittke Edition, BIS-427} (Item #2}
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© 1988 Grammofon AB BIS | BIS-CD-427
Classical / Contemporary Classical / Concerto / Symphony

Alfred Schnittke's Concerto Grosso No. 4/Symphony No. 5 was commissioned by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam for its centenary. Riccardo Chailly led the orchestra in its premiere performance on November 10th, 1988. However, Neemi Jarvi led the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra of Sweden in this, the work's first recording, in December 1988, released on BIS in 1989.

Alfred Schnittke - Concerto Grosso No. 1 & Symphony No. 9 (2009) {BIS Schnittke Edition, BIS-1727} (Item #25)
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© 2009 BIS Records AB | BIS-CD-1727
Classical / Contemporary Classical / 20th Century

The first disc dedicated to the works of Alfred Schnittke on BIS was released in 1987, and has since been followed by 23 other titles, including a large part of his chamber music as well as the symphonies and other orchestral works. That first disc featured Concerto grosso No.1 in the original version for two violins and strings – the work which to some extent became Schnittke’s breakthrough in the West in the late 1970s. On the present disc that same work is heard again, but now in a world première recording of Schnittke’s own version with solo parts for flute and oboe. Soloists are Sharon Bezaly and, on the oboe, Christopher Cowie , making his first appearance on BIS. They are supported by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes, a team that collaborated already on the most recent Schnittke title in the BIS catalogue.

Regarding their progressive face, New Trolls were undoubtfully on a decline in late-70's, despite also recruiting Nuova Idea's keyboardist Giorgio Usai in 1978.The group released series of average Pop Rock albums until the early-90's, when they finally spliy up.Various incarnations appeared later, like Vittorio De Scalzi's New Trolls, Il Mito dei New Trolls and Il Cuore dei New Trolls, all of them played live in several occasions and were led by different ex-members of the group.Eventually in 2007 De Scalzi reunited with Nico Di Palo and a rather fresh line-up with Alfio Vitanza (drums, vocals), Andrea Maddalone and Mauro Sposito (guitars, vocals), all members of Vittorio De Scalzi's New Trolls in early-00's, and Francesco Bellia (bass, vocals).Originally established as a live act, the brand New Trolls formation finally put up a third chapter in the ''Concerto grosso'' series, entitled ''The seven seasons'', originally released as an indepedent album…

Alfred Schnittke - Cello Concerto No. 2 & Concerto Grosso No. 2 (1992) {BIS Schnittke Edition, BIS-567} (Item #15)
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© 1992 Grammofon AB BIS | BIS-CD-567
Classical / Contemporary Classical / 20th Century

Schnittke's concerto is blackly and bleakly rhapsodic with a pretty assertive vein of dissonance. The concerto is a disquieting nightmare. Notable snapshots include the abrasive ghoulish whinnying of the cello at 1:22. A hair-raising sound. The slow-stepping grave is overwhelming and Schnittke's beloved harpsichord puts in an appearance here. The final passacaglia is longest of the five movements at 16.05 and draws on a theme from his music for the film Agony. The film score is recorded on OLYMPIA OCD606 and is well worth seeking out (Schnittke's film music is not to be dismissed). This is a depressive compelling whirlpool of a work.

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Handel's death with this impressive box set. 30-CD box set of the composer's most celebrated works–including the Royal Fireworks and Water Music, The Messiah, concerti grossi and much more! Featuring conductors Sir Neville Marriner, Christopher Hogwood, Trevor Pinnock, Mark Minkowski and others. Performances by the Gabrielli Players, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, English Baroque Soloists and others.

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Handel's death with this impressive box set. 30-CD box set of the composer's most celebrated works–including the Royal Fireworks and Water Music, The Messiah, concerti grossi and much more! Featuring conductors Sir Neville Marriner, Christopher Hogwood, Trevor Pinnock, Mark Minkowski and others. Performances by the Gabrielli Players, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, English Baroque Soloists and others.

Since 2009, Carus has been issuing a CD series with Handel’s oratorios as well as select vocal works, operas and instrumental compositions. Now a box containing 13 CDs and comprising several large-scale oratorios has been compiled: it includes, in addition to Messiah, Alexander’s Feast, Israel in Egypt,Brockes-Passion, Solomon as well as the relatively unknown gem L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato.

Igor Markevitch was a leading conductor, known for brilliant performances, especially of twentieth century music. He was also a composer who attracted some interest in his own day. His parents left Kiev when he was two years old. Markevitch was brought up in Vevey, Switzerland. He took piano lessons from his father and then with Paul Loyonnet and also started to compose.