Søren Elbæk, Alicia Petronilli – Piazzolla: Tango Intimo (KON 32313)

It was in 1998 when Denmark’s leading violinist of younger generation Søren Elbæk first performed with Argentinean Alica Petronilli as a member of The Danish Chamber Players. Since then tango became part of his favourite repertoire. Elbæk’s rich and passionate sound suites the genre perfectly.

In this intimate duo setting the two elite instrumentalists give the Latin American popular music a new artistic dimension with their unique and highly intriguing interpretation. The programme encompasses the wide range of tango spectrum including the classic Nostalgias by Cadícamo and the works by contemporary Astor Piazzolla.

1. La Felure (Astor Piazzolla)
2. Café 1930 (Astor Piazzolla)
3. Nightclub 1960 (Astor Piazzolla)
4. Ave de Paso (Enrique Cadicamo)
5. Celos (Jacob Gade)
6. Soledad (Carlos Gardel)
7. Bruno Y Sarah (Astor Piazzolla)
8. Nunca Tuvo Novio (Agustin Bardi)
9. Tanti Anni Prima (Astor Piazzolla)
10. Yuyo Verde (Homero Exposito)
11. Naranjo En Flor (Homero Exposito-Virgilio Exposito)
12. Los Mareados (Enrique Cadicamo)
13. Percal (Homero Exposito)
14. Nostalgias (Enrique Cadicamo)
15. Che Bandoneón (Anabal Troilo-Homero Manze)
16. Los Pájaros Perdidos (Astor Piazzolla)

UPC/EAN: 716043231324

Elisabeth Meyer-Topsøe, Per Salo – Sibelius, Rangström: Songs (KON 32312)

Since her 1994 sensational recording debut with Orchestral Leider/Vier Letzte Lieder and Wesendonk Lieder on Kontrapunkt label, the Danish soprano Elisabeth Meyer-Topsøe’s career has soared to the new height in the international opera scenes.

This is her first recording of songs which she dedicates to HM Queen Ingrid Queen Mother who is from Sweden and is turning 80 this month. Meyer-Topsøe’s tie to Sweden is quite special through her education there and being a pupil of the Swedish legendary soprano Birgit Nilsson.The songs recorded here are with special relation to Sweden.

1. Lastu lainehilla (Jean Sibelius)
2. Flickan kom ifrån sin älsklings möte (Jean Sibelius)
3. Demanten på marssnön (Jean Sibelius)
4. Våren flyktar hastigt (Jean Sibelius)
5. Illalle (Jean Sibelius)
6. Säf, säf, susa (Jean Sibelius)
7. Den första Kyssen (Jean Sibelius)
8. Längtan heter min arvedel (Jean Sibelius)
9. Norden (Jean Sibelius)
10. Var det en dröm (Jean Sibelius)
11. Syrsorna (Ture Rangström)
12. Vinder och trädet (Ture Rangström)
13. Vi människor (Ture Rangström)
14. Väl den som gudar har (Ture Rangström)
15. Flickan Under Nymånen (Ture Rangström)
16. Långsamt som kvällsskyn mister sin purpur (Ture Rangström)
17. Den mörka blomman (Ture Rangström)
18. Sköldmön (Ture Rangström)
19. Notturno (Ture Rangström)
20. Melodi (Ture Rangström)
21. Den enda stunden (Ture Rangström)
22. En gammal dansrytm (Ture Rangström)
23. Pan (Ture Rangström)
24. Bön til natten (Ture Rangström)
25. Afskedet (Ture Rangström)

UPC/EAN: 716043231225

Nikolai Madojan, Elisabeth Westenholz – Franck, Strauss: Sonata A Major, Sonata Opus 18 (KON 32311)

The collaboration between Armenian violinist Nikolai Madojan and Danish pianist Elisabeth Westenholz produced a series of outstanding CDs starting with the Prokofiev Sonatas and Five Melodies (32185) in 1994. The Madojan/Westenholz duo has since been performing and recording to critical and popular acclaim.

The world’s press wrote of their performances:

“… Madojan…has a natural feel for the right inflexion…his is the more thought-provoking…Westenholz refreshingly tender-hearted and imaginative .” (Gramophone)

“… Madojan is superb in capturing the expressive, genteel nature of the music. …His intonation is superb as well as timbre, and carefully balanced with the partnership of Westenholz .” (Intune)

“… Madojan and Westenholz are a strong, articulate, well-proportioned and mutually reciprocal partnership .” (Gramophone)

1. Sonata A Major: 1. Allegretto ben moderato (César Franck)
2. Sonata A Major: 2. Allegro (César Franck)
3. Sonata A Major: 3. Recitativo-Fantasia. Ben moderato (César Franck)
4. Sonata A Major: 4. Allegretto poco mosso (César Franck)
5. Sonata E Flat Major Op. 18: Allegro, ma non troppo (Richard Strauss)
6. Sonata E Flat Major Op. 18: Improvisation. Andante cantabile (Richard Strauss)
7. Sonata E Flat Major Op. 18: Finale. Andante (Richard Strauss)

UPC/EAN: 716043231126

Tove Lønskov – Schierbeck: Complete Works For Solo Piano (KON 32310)

Poul Schierbeck (1888 – 1949) studied composition with Carl Nielsen.

Unlike his vocal works which are relatively known, the piano works recorded here have been unjustly neglected. The major part of the piano music is from the early years of Schierbeck’s career as composer, who otherwise studied law and served as an artillery lieutenant under the First World War. Some of the works here have never been in print and all of the works are recorded for the first time.

Denmark’s foremost pianist Tove Lønskov made a thorough research of Schierbeck’s piano works and presents here her superb interpretation of them.

1. Sonata Op. 5: Allegro volubile (Poul Schierbeck)
2. Sonata Op. 5: Lento (Poul Schierbeck)
3. Sonata Op. 5: Allegro fuoccoso (Poul Schierbeck)
4. Sydvest, Sweater og Shag Op. 31: I Rigning (Poul Schierbeck)
5. Sydvest, Sweater og Shag Op. 31: II Krap sø (Poul Schierbeck)
6. Sydvest, Sweater og Shag Op. 31: III Oceanets vuggesang (Poul Schierbeck)
7. Sydvest, Sweater og Shag Op. 31: IV Kølvand (Poul Schierbeck)
8. Sydvest, Sweater og Shag Op. 31: V Harmonika (Poul Schierbeck)
9. To Fantastiske Etuder Op. 4: Mørke. Allegro pesante (Poul Schierbeck)
10. To Fantastiske Etuder Op. 4: Natteblæst. Presto assai (Poul Schierbeck)
11. Intermezzo Op. 8 Andante (Poul Schierbeck)
12. Tre Stykker Op. 7: Vals Op. 7 No. 1 (Poul Schierbeck)
13. Tre Stykker Op. 7: Vals Op. 7, No. 2 (Poul Schierbeck)
14. Tre Stykker Op. 7: Mazurka Op. 7, No. 3 (Poul Schierbeck)
15. Rapsodisk Klaverstykke. Allegro gioviale (Poul Schierbeck)

UPC/EAN: 716043231027

Royal Danish Brass – Lewkovitch: 6 Partitas For Brass, 12 Chorales For Brass (KON 32309)

Denmark’s leading composer of sacred music Bernhard Lewkovitch dedicated the 6 Partitas and the 12 Chorales recorded here for Royal Danish Brass. One of the most prominent ensembles of Denmark Royal Danish Brass has a long standing collaboration with Lewkovitch, which culminates in this brilliant CD of strong spirituality.

1. 6 Partitas for Brass: Ach Gott vom Himmel (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
2. 6 Partitas for Brass: Aus meinen lieben Gott (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
3. 6 Partitas for Brass: Lobt Gott, ihr Christen allzugleich (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
4. 6 Partitas for Brass: Machs mit mir, Gott, nach deiner Güt (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
5. 6 Partitas for Brass: Ach, sagt mir nichts von Gold und Schätzen (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
6. 6 Partitas for Brass: Vom Himmel hoch (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
7. 12 Chorales for Brass: Aus tiefer Not (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
8. 12 Chorales for Brass: O Welt, ich muss dich lassen (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
9. 12 Chorales for Brass: Jesu, meine Freude (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
10. 12 Chorales for Brass: Mein Seel, o Gott, muss loben dich (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
11. 12 Chorales for Brass: Mein G'müt ist mir verwirret (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
12. 12 Chorales for Brass: Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
13. 12 Chorales for Brass: O, Lamm Gottes unschuldig (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
14. 12 Chorales for Brass: Ein Lämmlein geht und trägt die Schuld (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
15. 12 Chorales for Brass: Schnücke dich, o liebe Seele (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
16. 12 Chorales for Brass: Det hellige kors, vor Herre han bar (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
17. 12 Chorales for Brass: Ak, Gud fra himlen se herned (Bernhard Lewkovitch)
18. 12 Chorales for Brass: Jesu, geh voran (Bernhard Lewkovitch)

UPC/EAN: 716043230921

Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, James Loughran – Dvorák: Serenades Opus 22 & 44, Slavonic Dances Op 46 No 7 & 8, Opus 72 No 1 & 8 (KON 32308)

Aarhus Symphony Orchestra and its principal conductor James Loughran embarked on the project of recording Dvorak’s orchestral serenades in the last spring. James Loughran’s strength in the field of romantic music combined with Denmark’s foremost symphony orchestra produced here an intriguing Dvorak recording.

1. Serenade for Wind Op. 44: Moderato (Antonín Dvořák)
2. Serenade for Wind Op. 44: Tempo di minuetto (Antonín Dvořák)
3. Serenade for Wind Op. 44: Andante con moto (Antonín Dvořák)
4. Serenade for Wind Op. 44: Moderato, quasi tempo di marcia (Antonín Dvořák)
5. Slavonic Dance Op. 72 No. 1 (Antonín Dvořák)
6. Slavonic Dance Op. 72 No. 8 (Antonín Dvořák)
7. Slavonic Dance Op. 46 No. 7 (Antonín Dvořák)
8. Slavonic Dance Op. 46 No. 8 (Antonín Dvořák)
9. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 22: Modera (Antonín Dvořák)
10. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 22: Tempo di valse (Antonín Dvořák)
11. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 22: Scherzo. Vivace (Antonín Dvořák)
12. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 22: Larghetto (Antonín Dvořák)
13. Serenade for String Orchestra Op. 22: Finale. Allegro vivace (Antonín Dvořák)

UPC/EAN: 716043230822

Toke Lund Christiansen, Elisabeth Westenholz – Kuhlau: Variations & Divertimenti, Volume 2 (KON 32307)

Denmark’s leading instrumentalists in the classical field, Toke Lund Christiansen (flute) and Elisabeth Westenholz (piano) have been performing together for a number of years. One of their favourite repertoires is German-born Danish composer Kuhlau’s works for flute and piano, which the duo has been recording for Kontrapunkt. This is a sequel to the highly acclaimed first volume of Variations & Divertimenti (Kontrapunkt 32237) featuring works from Kuhlau’s later years.

Toke Lund Christiansen has been the principal flutist in The Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and teaches at the Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen.

Elisabeth Westenholz is one of the most sought after concert pianists in Europe and her numerous recorded performances on Kontrapunkt have been received enthusiastically by critics and public alike.

1. Introduction and Variations Op. 101 (Friedrich Kuhlau)
2. Introduction and Rondo Op. 98a (Friedrich Kuhlau)
3. Six Divertissements Op.68 No. 1 (Friedrich Kuhlau)
4. Trois Fantasies Op.95 No. 3 (Friedrich Kuhlau)
5. Six Divertissements Op.68 No. 3 (Friedrich Kuhlau)
6. Variations Op. 99 (Friedrich Kuhlau)
7. Trois Fantasies Op.95 No.1 (Friedrich Kuhlau)
8. Trois Fantasies Op.95 No. 2 (Friedrich Kuhlau)

UPC/EAN: 716043230723

Michael Cochrane – Minor Matrix (SCCD 31494)

Michael Cochrane starts his new CD with Bud Powell’s classic “I’ll Keep Loving you” manifesting again his musical roots and influences.

As John Murph of JazzTimes once wrote about Cochrane’s SteepleChase debut album Cutting Edge, this album also “ sings unapologetically that bebop indeed still lives. ”

1. I'll keep loving you (Bud Powell)
2. One finger snap (Herbie Hancock)
3. Waltz (Michael Cochrane)
4. On the sunny side of the street (Jimmy McHugh)
5. Mamacita (Joe Henderson)
6. This is new (Kurt Weil)
7. Summer night (Harry Warren)
8. Minor matrix (Michael Cochrane)
9. Ask me now (Thelonious Monk)
10. So sorry please (Bud Powell)

UPC/EAN: 716043149421

Andy LaVerne – Know More (SCCD 31493)

SteepleChase opens a new century with one of its favourite genre, piano trio, with the label’s long time contributor Andy LaVerne.

This LaVerne’s 20th entry on the label features recent originals by the pianist including title tune “Know More”.

1. Fire wire (Andy LaVerne)
2. Think tank (Andy LaVerne)
3. Sudden wealth syndrome (Andy LaVerne)
4. Where and when (Andy LaVerne)
5. Wiggle room (Andy LaVerne)
6. Waltz king (Andy LaVerne)
7. Know more (Andy LaVerne)
8. Wholistic (Andy LaVerne)
9. Happenstance (Andy LaVerne)

UPC/EAN: 716043149322

Rich Perry – O Grande Amor (SCCD 31492)

Rich Perry is undoubtedly one of the most original voices on tenor saxophone today.

“ Rich Perry continues to surprise us with his thoughtful, well shaped and passionate excursions. O Grande Amor is another of his CDs you will want to play repeatedly ….” (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

1. Nardis (Bill Evans)
2. On Green Dolphin Street (Bronislav Kaper)
3. Be anything (Irving Gordon)
4. 29, Rue Jacob (Rich Perry)
5. The peacocks (Jimmy Rowles)
6. O grande amor (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
7. Stella by starlight (Victor Young)

UPC/EAN: 716043149223