NEW ON NAXOS | MAY 2024
Gioachino ROSSINI (1792–1868) Armida
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Dramma per musica in three acts (1817) Libretto by Giovanni Schmidt (c. 1773–1849) Ruth Iniesta, Soprano • Manuel Amati, Michele Angelini, César Arrieta, Patrick Kabongo, Moisés Marín, Chuan Wang, Tenors • Jusung Gabriel Park, Bass-baritone Shi Zong, Bass • Kraków Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra José Miguel Pérez-Sierra The story of Armida had already inspired around 70 composers by the time Rossini took it on both as an opportunity to measure himself against his colleagues, and as a special role for soprano Isabella Colbran with whom he had recently started a relationship. The narrative of Armida sees the arrival of a beautiful noblewoman at a Crusaders’ camp, asking them for help and protection. She claims that her throne has been usurped by the evil Idraote. However, she is in fact the sorceress Armida in disguise – and secretly in love with the heroic Rinaldo. This acclaimed Rossini in Wildbad production was admired for its ‘near magical casting’ ( Interlude.hk ). Key Features: •
8.660554-55 Release Date: 24 May 2024
José Miguel Pérez-Sierra and the Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra have recorded numerous Rossini in Wildbad releases for Naxos, including La scala di seta (8.660512-13) considered ‘a most enjoyable recording’ in the Yorkshire Post , and Pizzicato observing that ‘José Miguel Pérez-Sierra and the musicians of the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra provide light, warmly coloured orchestral playing. Pérez- Sierra knows when to give more space to the elegant charm and when to sparkling verve. He also strikes an ideal balance between the orchestra and the singers’. • This 2022 Rossini in Wildbad production was received warmly by the critics: ‘The real sorcery lay in Michele Angelini ’s Rinaldo. The American tenor boasts perfect technique, keeping his powerful voice free of any pressure. Wildbad cast Moisés Marín as Goffredo, the leader of the crusaders trying to conquer Jerusalem. He proved an inspired choice, catapulting his grainy and rich voice… Wildbad regular Patrick Kabongo … possesses a passionate and engaging voice though occasionally pressed high notes. Chuan Wang and César Arrieta were the final tenors, providing a perfect foil for Angelini in the trio ‘In quale aspetto imbelle’ ( interlude.hk ).
Companion Titles – Rossini in Wildbad productions with José Miguel Pérez-Sierra
José Miguel Pérez-Sierra
Michele Angelini
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Moisés Marín
Patrick Kabongo
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Chuan Wang
César Arrieta
Click to listen to Act I: Lieto, ridente oltre l’usato
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Albert ROUSSEL (1869–1937) Violin Sonatas Nos. 1 1 and 2 2 String Trio 3 David Bowlin, Violin • Tony Cho, Piano 1–2 Kirsten Docter, Viola 3 • Dmitry Kouzov, Cello 3
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Although he is best remembered for his highly regarded stage and orchestral works, Roussel also composed a significant body of masterful yet relatively unknown chamber music. The Romantic early First Violin Sonata is an epic journey of soaring majesty, while the later Second Violin Sonata is dramatic and succinct, sharing its dynamic neo-Classical style with the String Trio , Roussel’s last completed work. Key Features: •
Albert Roussel is remembered as teacher to the likes of Martinů, Varèse and Satie, and in terms of his composing is probably best known today for orchestral works such as his Second Symphony , considered ‘one of the shattering masterpieces of the 20th century literature’ ( ClassicsToday.com on 8.570529). • A considerable force in the chamber music world, acclaimed violinist David Bowlin and pianist Tony Cho are established as the
8.574577 Release Date: 24 May 2024 Companion Titles – Albert Roussel, Composer
David Bowlin
Tony Cho
Bowlin-Cho Duo. Alongside cellist Dmitry Kouzov they also form the Oberlin Trio, whose volume in our Haydn Piano Trios edition (8.574385) was considered to be ‘nothing short of fetching… Felicity, finesse, and good cheer are hallmarks of these performances, and I, for one, would not be unhappy to have the Oberlin Trio remain onboard to complete the remaining volumes of this survey, however many that may turn out to be’ ( Fanfare ).
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Dmitry Kouzov
Click to listen to Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 11: III. Très animé
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