|
|
|
© Simon Fowler / DG
|
Bryn Terfel embarks on follow-up to Favourites album after triumphant run as king of the gods
Bryn Terfel has just recorded Inspiration, a sequel to his best-selling album Bryn Terfel Sings Favourites (CD 474 4382). This time Terfel was joined by fellow Welsh singer Aled Jones, English baritone Simon Keenlyside, and renowned guitarist John Williams (CD 477 5563). Their recording session came on the heels of Terfel’s successful run as Wotan at Covent Garden, where, according to critics, “one of the great roles in all opera . . . found one of its greatest interpreters” (The Guardian). Terfel’s performance earned him superlative praise from both the public and the press, who claimed that Terfel was “born to play king of the gods” (Wall Street Journal) and described his Wotan as “one of the towering characterizations of our time” (Standard).
|
|
|
|
© KASKARA / DG
|
Lang Lang stars in “Concert for Europe”, delighting millions worldwide
The Wiener Philharmoniker treated the city to its second “Konzert für Europa”, a free, open-air concert that attracted nearly 90,000 people and millions of television viewers to the first event in 2004, prompting some to liken it to a sort of “Woodstock of the classical world”. This year’s June 8 concert was conducted by Zubin Mehta and featured special guest Lang Lang, who performed the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto no. 1. The “Konzert für Europa” 2005 was held in the gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace and transmitted around the world by the European Broadcasting Union and numerous national television networks, reaching nearly 60 million people worldwide.
|
|
|
|
© KASKARA / DG
|
Hilary Hahn performs in Vietnam and Cambodia during Far East tour
Along with concerts in Tokyo and Shanghai, Hilary Hahn and recital partner Natalie Zhu made several stops in Southeast Asia during their recent Far East tour, performing in Bangkok, Singapore, and Hanoi, as well as at a Red Cross benefit concert for orphanages in Cambodia. The young musicians’ concert in Hanoi fell during the 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. “I had always been interested in going [to Vietnam],” said Hahn, “but I wanted the timing to be appropriate.” Spectators in the sold-out Hanoi Opera House were joined by several hundred additional listeners crowding the traffic circle in front of the venue, where the concert was projected onto a giant screen. After the performance, Hahn and Zhu addressed fans at the post-concert party: “I’ve been wanting to come here for a while,” Hahn told the audience. “This is like a dream come true.”
|
|
|
|
© KASKARA / DG
|
Magdalena Kožená returns to stage after becoming a mother in March
Following the birth of her new baby Jonas on March 8, Magdalena Kožená has now returned to performing in concert halls throughout Europe. At the beginning of June, she began a recital tour with Malcolm Martineau, appearing in Berlin, London, Aldeburgh, Munich, Schwarzenberg (Austria), and Edinburgh.
|
|
|
|
|
As her album sales soar, Hélène Grimaud pens second book for autumn release
While Hélène Grimaud was playing to packed houses and critical acclaim across Europe, her recent Chopin-Rachmaninov recording (CD 477 5325) was igniting the charts, ranking number one on the French classical chart and earning an entry in the top twenty pop album chart. Between concerts in London, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Geneva, Zurich, and Madrid, Grimaud also managed to continue work on her second book, Leçon Particulière. The book will be published in French and tie into her upcoming CD, Schumann/Schumann/Brahms (working title), which is scheduled for release in France, Belgium, and Switzerland this autumn. The album denotes the close ties between Robert Schumann, his wife Clara, and Johannes Brahms, and it features Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto with Esa-Pekka Salonen leading the Staatskapelle Dresden. The disc was recorded in Dresden, where Clara Schumann premiered her husband’s composition in 1845. Other tracks include the Brahms Cello Sonata op. 38 with Truls Mork, the two Brahms Rhapsodies op. 79, and three songs by Clara Schumann from Rückert’s Liebesfrühling op. 12 with Anne Sofie von Otter (CD 477 5719).
|
|
|
|
© KASSKARA / DG
© KASKARA / DG
|
Esa-Pekka Salonen and Ben Heppner upstage controversial video projections
Ben Heppner and Esa-Pekka Salonen were at the center of the most-hyped event of the Paris Opera season, a new production of Tristan und Isolde that featured film projections by video artist Bill Viola and a minimalist staging by Peter Sellars. While the controversial video projections invited equal parts of criticism and kudos, the musicians involved in the production received unanimous accolades. Making his Paris Opera debut, Salonen was touted as the “real winner” (Le Monde) of the production for his “eloquently understated conducting” (International Herald Tribune), while Heppner affirmed his reputation as “the Tristan of the moment, heroic in every sense” (IHT). |
|
|
|
© KASSKARA / DG
|
Live recording of Abbado-Fleming performance in Berlin set for September release
Claudio Abbado led Renée Fleming and the Berliner Philharmoniker in three successful concerts of Mahler’s Symphony no. 4 and Seven Early Songs by Alban Berg. Die Welt described the collaboration as “pure joy, masterful while delightfully relaxed, full of tenderness and intimate togetherness” and called Abbado’s reading of Mahler 4 “an enthralling interpretation”. The live recording of this concert (CD 477 5574) is scheduled for release in September of this year, with additional performances in Lucerne during the month of August.
|
|
|
|
477 5572
© Harald Hoffmann / DG |
Hilary Hahn and Anne-Sophie Mutter kick off
Preparations for the Mozart Forever campaign celebrating the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth in 2006 are already underway. New recordings by Hilary Hahn (CD 477 5572) and Anne-Sophie Mutter (CD 474 2152) will kick off the campaign this fall, followed by new releases by Anna Netrebko (CD 477 5570), Bryn Terfel, and Magdalena Kožená and many more.
|
|
|
|
© Patrick McNamara |
Deutsche Grammophon signs young violinist Ryu Goto
In collaboration with Universal Classics Japan, Deutsche Grammophon has signed Ryu Goto, whose debut recording will be released in Japan later this summer. Goto has studied the violin since the age of three and performed with prestigious orchestras and conductors around the world, including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Myung-Whun Chung, and Edward Gardner. Since 1996, Goto has been the subject of a 10-year documentary entitled Ryu Goto’s Odyssey, which is broadcast each summer by Japan’s Fuji TV. His debut CD release will coincide with the August broadcast of part 10 of the documentary series, as well as the publishing of a book-and-DVD project by Bungei-Shunju, Japan’s leading publisher. This exposure, along with his appearances in television commercials and advertisements as the face of East Japan Railway Company, has earned Goto a wide following in Japan. Ryu Goto was born in New York in 1988. In addition to his academic studies at the Trinity School and the Juilliard Pre-college division in New York City, he enjoys playing the guitar and holds a black belt in karate.
|
|
|
|
© Michael Lang
|
Cristóbal Repetto invited to WOMEX as he gears up for European concerts with Bajofondo Tango Club
A jury has selected Argentinean tango singer Cristóbal Repetto to perform at this year’s WOMEX, the worldwide music expo. WOMEX caters to professionals involved in world, traditional, and roots music and draws several thousand visitors from over 90 countries each year. Repetto will present his edge solo project at WOMEX 2005 this October in Newcastle Gateshead, England. Meanwhile Repetto will team up with violinist Javier Casalla and the Bajofondo Tango Club for concerts throughout Europe this summer, hitting venues such as the Muffathalle in Munich, Sfinks Fest in Belgium, Milan’s Festival Latinoamericando, the Wiesen Electronic Fest in Austria, and five shows at the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. Those familiar with Repetto’s solo CD know that he and Casalla are far from strangers; Casalla took part in the recording with his expert playing of the Stroh violin – a rare instrument that amplifies sound through metal horns, also known as the violinophone or horn violin. While in London to kick off their tour, both Repetto and Casalla (pictured above) took time out to meet the German team – Susanne McBurney and Anne Olschewski from Deutsche Grammophon – for a photo up on the roof of the OXO Tower Restaurant. From left: Adrián Sosa (A&R Surco), producer Gustavo Santaolalla, Cristóbal Repetto, Susanne McBurney, Javier Casalla, and Anne Olschewski; photo by Michael Lang.
|
|
|
|
|
YES movie soundtrack to appear on edge this month
edge’s original motion picture soundtrack to Sally Potter’s movie YES was released with the film’s US opening on June 24 (CD 477 5387). The soundtrack is a blend of diverse musical styles including blues, classical, and Latin from renowned composers and performers including guitarist and long-time Potter collaborator Fred Frith, Philip Glass, Gustavo Santaolalla, B.B. King, and Eric Clapton. YES will make its European premiere in the UK in August and will open in Germany and Switzerland in September. For updated information including the film’s scheduled release in other territories, please visit www.yesthemovie.com.
|
|
|
|
© KASSKARA / DG
|
Anna Netrebko wins Russian State Prize
Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded Anna Netrebko a State Prize in the field of Literature and the Arts. The prize, which recognizes three laureates each year, is among the most prestigious awards in Russia for cultural achievements. Elsewhere Netrebko garnered accolades as part of “opera’s latest dream couple” (Die Presse) alongside Rolando Villazón, with whom she appeared in Roméo et Juliette in Los Angeles, making her role debut as Juliette. Fans had a second chance to hear the pair together in L’elisir d’amore in Vienna, where their combination was deemed “addicting” (Kurier) and Netrebko’s Adina “dripping with cool charm and allure” (Krone). Extensive touring didn’t stop Netrebko from finding time to record the first part of her Mozart arias disc with Claudio Abbado and the Orchestra Mozart in Bologna (CD 477 5570). They will finish recording the album this summer, with the release scheduled to appear as part of the Mozart Forever campaign later this year.
|
|
|
|
© Eduardo Torres / DG |
Mercedes Sosa to receive Argentinean Senate’s highest honor on July 8
World music icon and human rights activist Mercedes Sosa will be presented with the Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Award in Argentina’s Congress Hall on July 8. The award is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a citizen by the country’s senate body and will be conferred by Vice President Daniel Scioli and First Lady Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. This award recognizes Sosa’s excellence in the arts and human rights work. In conjunction with the official ceremony, an AM radio station has commissioned singer-songwriter Teresa Parodi to record a song honoring Sosa, and it will be aired hourly on the day of the ceremony. Radio Mitre has also asked listeners to convene in front of Sosa’s home at noon on July 9 to sing “happy birthday” in the hopes that Sosa will salute them from her balcony. Along with being Sosa’s 70th birthday, July 9 also marks Independence Day in Argentina.
|
|
|
|
© Harald Hoffmann / DG |
Pierre Boulez takes his place alongside Beethoven and Brahms as member of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde Wien
On May 26, Pierre Boulez was appointed honorary member of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde Wien. With this tremendous honor, Boulez joins the ranks of Johannes Brahms, Anton Bruckner, Ludwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, and Mstislav Rostropovich. The Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde has been promoting music since 1812 and counts among its many achievements the creation of Vienna’s conservatory and first public concert hall. The Wiener Philharmoniker recently named Boulez an honorary member of the orchestra, inviting him to celebrate his 85th birthday with them in 2010. This engagement represents the longest advance booking in the orchestra’s history. To add to his list of achievements during his birthday year, Boulez was also named honorary conductor of the Staatskapelle Berlin. Deutsche Grammophon feted Boulez’s 80 years with three new releases of his compositions (CD 477 5385; 477 5327; 477 5328), along with works by Mahler (CD 477 5329) and Bartók (CD 477 5330). The Bartók Piano Concertos disc was awarded the Deutscher Schallplattenpreis in April.
|
|
|
|
© KASSKARA / DG
|
Claudio Abbado becomes citizen of Lucerne
Claudio Abbado has been granted honorary citizenship of the city of Lucerne for his extensive contributions to the city’s cultural life over the past several decades. Abbado, 72, first appeared in Lucerne in 1966 to take part in the International Music Weeks, now the Lucerne Festival. Along with regular performances in the Swiss city, the conductor also served as an advisor during the construction of the new concert hall. In 2003, Abbado created the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, an ensemble with which he will perform until 2010 and with which he won a Caecilia Award in Belgium in March for their Debussy/Mahler recording (CD 477 5082). Abbado’s official citizenship ceremony will take place at this year’s Lucerne Festival in August.
|
|
|
|
© Lillian Birnbaum / DG
|
Anne-Sophie Mutter promoted to “Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres”
Anne-Sophie Mutter has been named “officer” in the “Order of Arts and Letters” by the French Minister of Culture. This distinction honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of culture in France and throughout the world.
|
|
|
|
© Harald Hoffmann / DG |
May marks decorated month for Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau as dual awards fete 80th birthday
The Royal Swedish Academy of Music presented Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau with the Polar Prize on May 23 in recognition of “his unique artistry in every area of classical singing and for his unparalleled achievements as a penetrating and innovative interpreter of art songs in the German language”. On May 28, Fischer-Dieskau’s 80th birthday, the Lotte Lehmann Foundation awarded Fischer-Dieskau The World of Song Award as part of its work to “raise public consciousness of art song, and to honor those who have devoted their creative lives to this beautiful and enriching form of music”. Deutsche Grammophon issued five Fischer-Dieskau releases last month in honor of the baritone’s achievements: a DVD Portrait (073 4050); An die Musik (CD 477 5556); Melodramas (CD 477 5320); Rigoletto (CD 477 5608) and a 9-CD series of early recordings in the Original Masters series (CD 477 5270).
|
|
|
|
© Clive Arrowsmith
© KASSKARA / DG
|
Anna Netrebko and James Galway perform at Classical BRITS
The Classical BRIT Awards drew several million television viewers during its May 29 broadcast on ITV1 and ITV3. This year’s awards ceremony, held on May 25 at the Royal Albert Hall, included performances by Anna Netrebko and Sir James Galway. Bryn Terfel won the prize for “Male Artist of the Year”, and Galway was honored with a special award for his outstanding contribution to music – 30 years after the start of his solo career.
|
|
|
|
|
Originals marks tenth year with over 10 million copies sold worldwide
In 1995, Deutsche Grammophon began spotlighting its legendary recordings of the LP era, many of which had never been released on other formats. Ten years later, with more than 10 million copies sold, The Originals series is more popular than ever. The entire historical repertoire of the Originals catalogue is available on iTunes in the US, including a selection of 9 best-selling Originals that are presented online in three “virtual slipcases” of three volumes each: Great Symphonies, Great Concertos, and Great Piano Music, featuring interpretations by all-time greats such as Carlos Kleiber and Martha Argerich. Among the legendary Originals recordings is the 1979 Lulu (3CD 463 6172) with soprano Teresa Stratas, which was recently accorded “Masterworks” status by the Audio-Visual Preservation Trust of Canada.
|
|
|
|
© Sheila Rock / DG |
Plácido Domingo’s career
highlights presented on DVD
Plácido Domingo’s finest performances can now be seen on DVD with recent releases by Deutsche Grammophon. Highlights include Domingo singing leading roles in Otello with Renée Fleming (DVD 073 0929), Samson et Dalila with Olga Borodina (DVD 073 0599), and Madama Butterfly with Mirella Freni (DVD 073 4037). With his performances in the title role of Franco Alfano’s Cyrano de Bergerac at the MET last month, Plácido Domingo delivered the 121st role of his career. The MET mounted this virtually unknown 1936 opera for Domingo, who has sung nearly 600 performances throughout his 37 seasons with the company. The press reported that Domingo received long, emotional ovations during each of his curtain calls, a testament to the tenor’s “poetic musicianship” (Newsday) and “savvy acting” (The New York Times).
|
|
|
|
|
Memorial disc marks passing of Amadeus Quartet leader
Deutsche Grammophon commemorated the death of Amadeus Quartet leader Norbert Brainin on April 10 with a memorial disc in his honor (CD 477 5739). Released in May, the double CD includes rare recordings that span the ensemble’s long history with Deutsche Grammophon, which began in the 1950s.
|
|
|
|
MAY • Anne-Sophie Mutter, violin; André Previn, piano; Daniel Müller-Schott, cello / Mozart: Piano Trios (Live Recording) / Baden-Baden, Festspielhaus
• Maurizio Pollini, piano & conductor; Wiener Philharmoniker / Mozart: Piano Concertos (Live Recording) / Vienna, Musikverein
• Pierre Boulez, conductor; Wiener Philharmoniker; Christine Schäfer, soprano; Michelle DeYoung, mezzo-soprano; Wiener Singverein / Mahler: Symphony no. 2 / Vienna, Musikverein
• Mikhail Pletnev, piano / Mozart Recital / Basel, Stadt-Casino
JUNE • Yundi Li, piano / Mozart: Sonata 330; 2 Scarlatti Sonatas; Schumann Carnaval; Beethoven Variations in C minor WoO 80 / Vienna, Musikverein
• Christian Thielemann, conductor; Münchner Philharmoniker / Brahms: Symphony no. 1; Beethoven: Egmont Overture / Munich
• Maurizio Pollini, piano / Chopin: Complete Nocturnes / Munich, Herkulessaal
• Christian Thielemann, conductor; Wiener Philharmoniker / Strauss: Zarathustra, Don Juan / Vienna
• Christian Thielemann, conductor; Plácido Domingo, tenor; Waltraud Meier, mezzo-soprano; Thomas Hampson, baritone; Franz-Josef Selig, bass; Chor & Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper / Wagner: Parsifal / Vienna
• Berliner Barock Solisten; Albrecht Mayer, oboe / Telemann / Berlin, Jesus-Christus-Kirche
• Bryn Terfel, bass-baritone; London Symphony Orchestra; with Aled Jones, baritone/countertenor, Simon Keenlyside, baritone, and John Williams, guitarist / Inspiration / London
• Mikhail Pletnev, piano / Chopin: Preludes op. 28; Mozart: Sonatas K. 330, 331, 332, 457) & Adagio K V 540 / Basel, Stadt-Casino
JULY • Anne-Sophie Mutter, violin and direction; London Philharmonic Orchestra; with Yuri Bashmet, viola / Mozart: Violin Concertos, Sinfonia concertante / London, Abbey Road Studios
• Lang Lang, piano; Staatskapelle Dresden / Wagner-Liszt: “Isoldes Liebestod for piano and orchestra”; Mozart: Piano Concerto no. 24 (3rd movement) / Dresden, Lukaskirche
• Thomas Quastoff, bass-baritone; Justus Zeyen, piano / Schubert: Schöne Müllerin / Berlin, Teldex Studio
• Plácido Domingo, tenor / Neapolitan and Italian Songs / Budapest, Italian Cultural Institute
|
|
|