Lars Vogt Warner

Lars Vogt (1970-2022) early recordings collected here provide a document of an artist who always remained authentic, both to himself and to music. Lars Vogt never sought absolute truth, but truthfulness instead meant all the more to him. The man and the artist were always very close, never currying favour and never detached from the world. He was, instead, open and natural. / "It's incredibly gratifying when you notice that you can perhaps light a little spark, a little flame for music in people, and when music helps you to find the path to your own soul."

On-going Lars Vogt’s discography, whose complete EMI recordings will be released as a beautiful physical boxset this fall. Barely 21 and having just won a prize at the prestigious Leeds Piano Competition, Vogt signed his first contract with EMI and released his debut album in 1991. Making its digital premiere, this recording includes a very ambitious program with Schubert’s Fantaisie-Sonata, Brahms’ last set of piano pieces, Op. 119, a sonata by Haydn and Lachenmann’s variations after a Schubert’s delicate écossaise. A thundering start in the musical industry!

Lilting melodies and exhilarating dance rhythms; gentle pathos, brooding drama and robust high spirits; the spirit of rural Bohemia and the sophistication of Prague, Vienna, New York and London in the late 19th century: Antonin Dvořák’s music is unfailingly distinctive and captivating. In all his works – from the epic ‘New World’ Symphony and Cello Concerto to the irresistible Slavonic Dances, haunting ‘American’ String Quartet, quirky violin Humoresque and yearning Song to the Moon – he is a composer whose heart is open and generous, and whose love for his homeland always shines through. This box provides an illuminating and enriching survey of his works, including his complete symphonies. A number of the celebrated performers have Slavonic roots themselves; all their interpretations draw on a deep affinity with Dvořák’s inspiration and humanity.