Nezet Seguin Flute

Deutsche Grammophon’s landmark cycle of Mozart’s mature operas reaches its sixth title with The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte). Set for international release on August 2 via Deutsche Grammophon/Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company, the live recording continues the Yellow Label’s special collaboration with the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and Yannick Nézet-Séguin. It boasts a stellar cast, headed by the project’s initiator, Rolando Villazón, as Papageno, together with Klaus Florian Vogt as Tamino, Christiane Karg as Pamina, Regula Mühlemann as Papagena, Albina Shagimuratova as the Queen of the Night, and Franz-Josef Selig as Sarastro.

2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the European Reformation, started by Martin Luther in 1517. To honor this occasion, Deutsche Grammophon is releasing a new interpretation of the complete Mendelssohn symphonies, crowned by a recording of the Reformation Symphony No. 5.

2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the European Reformation, started by Martin Luther in 1517. To honor this occasion, Deutsche Grammophon is releasing a new interpretation of the complete Mendelssohn symphonies, crowned by a recording of the Reformation Symphony No. 5.

Deutsche Grammophon’s landmark cycle of Mozart’s mature operas reaches its sixth title with The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte). Set for international release on August 2 via Deutsche Grammophon/Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company, the live recording continues the Yellow Label’s special collaboration with the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and Yannick Nézet-Séguin. It boasts a stellar cast, headed by the project’s initiator, Rolando Villazón, as Papageno, together with Klaus Florian Vogt as Tamino, Christiane Karg as Pamina, Regula Mühlemann as Papagena, Albina Shagimuratova as the Queen of the Night, and Franz-Josef Selig as Sarastro.

Arthur De Greef, a piano virtuoso and composer, obtained his excellent results through analysis, reflection and hard work. Amidst all the musical turmoil at the start of the 20th century, De Greef is still composing late-Romantic, graceful and splendidly melodic music. Courage and authenticity was necessary for that. Thematically and harmonically the second pianoconcerto follows the classic form, but it also leans in the direction of the symphonic poem. De Greef clearly intended to express and develop particular emotions in this piece. This can also be seen in the poetic titles given to each movement. In De Greef's Humoresque, the accented rhythms and the repeated leaping motive are the most striking features. The motive springs between the strings to the flute and is followed by a martial theme on the horns. The lyrical middle section is an oasis of peace, with an expressive melody, fine solo passages and muted strings.

Arthur De Greef, a piano virtuoso and composer, obtained his excellent results through analysis, reflection and hard work. Amidst all the musical turmoil at the start of the 20th century, De Greef is still composing late-Romantic, graceful and splendidly melodic music. Courage and authenticity was necessary for that. Thematically and harmonically the second pianoconcerto follows the classic form, but it also leans in the direction of the symphonic poem. De Greef clearly intended to express and develop particular emotions in this piece. This can also be seen in the poetic titles given to each movement. In De Greef's Humoresque, the accented rhythms and the repeated leaping motive are the most striking features. The motive springs between the strings to the flute and is followed by a martial theme on the horns. The lyrical middle section is an oasis of peace, with an expressive melody, fine solo passages and muted strings.

Arthur De Greef, a piano virtuoso and composer, obtained his excellent results through analysis, reflection and hard work. Amidst all the musical turmoil at the start of the 20th century, De Greef is still composing late-Romantic, graceful and splendidly melodic music. Courage and authenticity was necessary for that. Thematically and harmonically the second pianoconcerto follows the classic form, but it also leans in the direction of the symphonic poem. De Greef clearly intended to express and develop particular emotions in this piece. This can also be seen in the poetic titles given to each movement. In De Greef's Humoresque, the accented rhythms and the repeated leaping motive are the most striking features. The motive springs between the strings to the flute and is followed by a martial theme on the horns. The lyrical middle section is an oasis of peace, with an expressive melody, fine solo passages and muted strings.

Piano concertos, designed to please a paying audience, were part of Mozart’s daily business yet he lifted the genre high above anything that had gone before; so high that he effectively invented it in the form we know today. His mature piano concertos – famously difficult to bring to life in performance – stand among the supreme tests of a performer’s powers.

Rolando Villazón is an avowed Mozart fan and has celebrated the works of the great composer every year in Salzburg, among others, as director of the traditional Mozart Week since 2017. With the album “Mozartissimo” the tenor has now achieved a very personal homage to Mozart, because he has summarized his favorite arias on the album and convinces with charisma, voice and musical passion.