Bruch: Double Concertos, Adagio appassionato & Loreley Overture

Immerse yourself in the rich, romantic soundscapes of Max Bruch with this captivating album, released on Sony Classical in 2019. This collection showcases Bruch's mastery of orchestral and concerto writing, featuring two of his most notable double concertos, a stirring adagio, and a dramatic overture.

The album opens with Bruch's Concerto for 2 Pianos and Orchestra, Op. 88a, a work that highlights the composer's lyrical gifts and his ability to create intricate, engaging dialogues between soloists and orchestra. The second double concerto, for Clarinet, Viola, and Orchestra in E Minor, Op. 88, is a powerful exploration of the expressive range of these often-underappreciated instruments.

The Adagio appassionato, Op. 57, is a deeply moving work that showcases Bruch's ability to create intense, heartfelt music. The album concludes with the dramatic "Die Loreley" Overture, Op. 16, inspired by the famous German legend.

Performed by the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Howard Griffiths, with soloists including Kyoungmin Park and Oliver Schnyder, this album offers a compelling introduction to Bruch's music, as well as a rewarding experience for those already familiar with his work. With a duration of approximately one hour, it's an excellent addition to any classical music collection.

Max Bruch, born in 1838, was a prominent German Romantic composer, violinist, teacher, and conductor whose musical legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Throughout his prolific career, Bruch composed over 200 works, but it is his Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor that has secured his place in the annals of classical music. This concerto, a staple of the violin repertoire, showcases Bruch's mastery of melody and orchestration, offering a rich and emotive experience for both performers and listeners alike. Bruch's journey in the music world spanned from the influence of Mendelssohn to the dawn of Schoenberg's atonal compositions, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to the evolution of musical expression. Beyond his concertos, Bruch's extensive catalog includes a variety of orchestral, chamber, and choral works, each bearing the hallmark of his distinctive Romantic style. His contributions as a conductor and teacher further cement his influence, making Max Bruch a figure of enduring significance in the classical music landscape.