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.