New On Naxos | Issue: September 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026

THE WORLD OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

Johanni van Oostrum as Rusalka © Clärchen & Matthias Baus

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

Johanni van Oostrum as Rusalka and Pavel Černoch as The Prince © Clärchen & Matthias Baus

2.110783 Playing time: 160 minutes Picture format: NTSC 16:9 Sound format: Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 and DTS 5.1 Language: Czech Subtitles: English, German, Dutch, Japanese, Korean Region code: 0 (worldwide) No. of disc/s: 1 (DVD 9) Release date: 11 Sep 2026

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This Dutch National Opera production is remarkable in its inversion of the folklore around the fairytale of Rusalka , bringing it into a sordid 20th-century world filled with darkness and prostitution, and giving its heroine an aspiration that we can all recognise, to escape poverty and crime to become a part of Hollywood glamour and romance. The depths in Dvořák’s most popular opera give it plenty of scope to be effective in this kind of transformation and, superbly recorded and filmed in Amsterdam, this production shines an inventive new light on an old favourite, with a magnificent cast and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in the pit to give the music a sheen that can challenge any alternative. • German conductor Joana Mallwitz is one of the most awe-inspiring conductors of her generation. In 2019 she was named Conductor of the Year by critics of the prestigious Opernwelt magazine, and in 2020 she was the first female conductor to be engaged by the prestigious Salzburg Festival, where she conducted Così fan tutte to rave reviews. This is her long-awaited debut in Amsterdam, taking the baton to lead the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. •

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841–1904) Rusalka Lyric fairy tale in three acts, Op. 114, B. 203 (1900) Libretto by Jaroslav Kvapil Annette Dasch, Johanni van Oostrum, Sopranos Raehann Bryce-Davis, Mezzo-soprano Pavel Černoch, Tenor • Maxim Kuzmin-Karavaev, Bass

Chorus of Dutch National Opera Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Joana Mallwitz, Conductor Philipp Stölzl, Philipp M. Krenn, Stage directors

With its wonderfully poetic and sensual score, Rusalka is Antonín Dvořák’s most beloved opera, filled with musical effects that evoke the beauty and magic of a world inhabited by nymphs and water sprites. Jaroslav Kvapil’s libretto is based on a famously tragic children’s fairy tale, but in this acclaimed reinvention by directors Philipp Stölzl and Philipp M. Krenn Rusalka is depicted as a young woman from the dark fringes of society. She trades her power of speech to live in Hollywood at the side of a handsome movie star but is doomed to remain an outsider and a lost soul.

Besides working in opera and the theatre, German director Philipp Stölzl is also a film director and set designer. His opera productions are known to pack a visual punch and are highly cinematic. Stölzl has worked with Philipp M. Krenn before, and their version of Rusalka clearly shows the directors’ roots: their Rusalka, who lives on the wrong side of the tracks, is not in love with a prince, but with a Hollywood movie star. Rusalka has a very strong cast of singers, some of whom have worked with Dutch National Opera before. South African soprano Johanni van Oostrum (Rusalka) was a sensational Agathe in their earlier production of Der Freischütz and Czech tenor Pavel Černoch (The Prince) played a compelling Laca Clemen in Jenůfa . Also returning is Annette Dasch , who previously starred in the lead role in Jenůfa , as Chawa in Die ersten Menschen and as Ghita in Der Zwerg . The company considered it a real gift to have someone of her calibre taking on the role of the foreign princess. They are joined by multi-talented American mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis , whose star is rising fast in the international opera scene. She made her debut in Amsterdam in the role of Ježibaba.

Also available on Blu-ray video: NBD0193V Playing time: 160 minutes Picture format: HD 16:9 Sound format: PCM stereo and DTS-MA 5.1 Language: Czech Subtitles: English, German, Dutch, Japanese, Korean Region: A, B, C No. of disc/s: 1 (BD 50) Release date: 11 Sep 2026

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Audiovisual releases from the Dutch National Opera

‘Fuchs is a delight. As are the orchestra and the chorus under Emmanuelle Haïm – Handel turns every second of the score into Shakespearean magic.’ – BBC Music Magazine

‘The singers are all good actors, and their interactions with each other are honest and believable. …Joshua Guerrero is handsome and has a solid grasp of Puccinian style. His voice, like Bystrom’s, is attractive. …Viotti leads an exciting performance, well-paced…’ – American Record Guide

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‘This production by Christof Loy is one of his best. …Loy stresses the growing maturation, both emotionally and sexually, of the main couple, their losing and then finding each other again. Daniel Behle, are ideally cast as well. Both sing beautifully, making specific acting choices, never devolving into generalized portrayals.’ – American Record Guide …The central couple, Olga Kulchynska and

‘The most dramatically powerful, completely convincing performance of either opera I’ve seen in a very long time.’ – MusicWeb International

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Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809–1847) Complete Sacred Choral Works, Vol. 1 Psalms 42 1 , 95 2 and 98 3 Wir glauben all’ an einen Gott 4 Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh’ darein 5 Juliane Banse 1, 2 , Charlotte Langner 2 , Sopranos Seil Kim 1, 2 , Thomas Jakobs 1 , Tenors Äneas Humm, Baritone 1, 5 • Manfred Bittner, Bass-baritone 1 WDR Radio Choir Cologne Chamber Orchestra • Christoph Poppen Sacred choral music played a critical role in Mendelssohn’s life. The steady stream of Psalm settings made throughout his career provided a means through which he could make heartfelt responses to the texts of his faith. This first volume in the series reveals Mendelssohn’s skill in conveying the emotions behind each text, from the festive jubilation of Psalm 98 , Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied , to an expansive setting of Psalm 42 , Wie der Hirsch schreit , regarded by Robert Schumann as the highest point Mendelssohn reached as a composer for the church. Key features: • Mendelssohn’s choral works are crowned with great oratorios such as Elijah and St Paul , and his Lutheran faith can be traced through other larger scale works such as the hymn of praise in the Second Symphony ‘Lobgesang ’, and the Fifth Symphony ‘ Reformation ’ that makes use of Luther’s chorale Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott. The sincere and often transcendent beauty of Mendelssohn’s sacred compositions including numerous settings of Psalm texts have also proven popular in recent years, and a complete edition in two volumes focussing on these shorter works will be an attractive prospect for collectors. • Internationally acclaimed in a variety of roles in today’s music world, Christoph Poppen is chief conductor of the Cologne Chamber Orchestra with a wide discography that includes an acclaimed edition of Mozart’s complete Masses, with the latest release of Vol. 6 (8.574639) much admired in BBC Music Magazine : ‘Christoph Poppen’s exemplary cycle seems only to gain in stature with each successive release… these crisply enunciated and robust accounts reflect the consistently high standards already attained by previous issues in this valuable endeavour’. • The WDR Radio Choir is a professional choir based at the WDR Funkhaus in Cologne. Its repertoire ranges from a cappella pieces to orchestral, including symphonic works, film and computer music, opera and contemporary experimental music. The choir works in collaboration with the WDR orchestras, is often requested to appear with national and international orchestras for major concerts, and has an ever growing discography of acclaimed recordings on labels such as Capriccio, Oehms Classics, WDR Classic and Orfeo. SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

8.574640 Release date: 11 Sep 2026

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Listen to an excerpt from Psalm 95 ‘Kommt, lasst uns anbeten’, Op. 46, MWV A16: Kommet herzu, lasst uns dem Herrn frohlocken! LISTEN Tracklist 1 – 5 Psalm 95 ‘Kommt, lasst uns anbeten’ (1838, rev. 1841) 6 – 8 Chorale Cantata ‘Wir glauben all’ an einen Gott’ (1831) 9 Psalm 98 ‘Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied’ (1843) 0 – # Chorale Cantata ‘Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh’ darein’ (1832) $ – ¡ Psalm 42 ‘Wie der Hirsch schreit nach frischem Wasser’ (1837) ™ Chorale Cantata ‘Christe, du Lamm Gottes’ (1827)

WDR Radio Choir

Cologne Chamber Orchestra

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

About Christoph Poppen, Conductor

From the outset of his career as a conductor, Christoph Poppen ’s name has been synonymous with innovative programming and a wide-ranging commitment to contemporary music. Numerous guest conducting engagements have taken him to orchestras such as the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Wiener Symphoniker, Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo and Camerata Salzburg. Principal guest conductor of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta between 2015 and 2023, Poppen continues his highly successful collaboration with the Cologne Chamber Orchestra as principal conductor and with the Israel Chamber Orchestra as principal guest conductor.

Mozart’s Complete Masses conducted by Christoph Poppen

‘The singing and playing are all we expect from seasoned professionals. The soloists may not be stars, but they discharge their responsibilities with aplomb.’ – American Record Guide

‘The Cologne forces give their all in performances… Poppen’s soloists are as fine as any and blend particularly delectably towards the end of K275’s Agnus Dei … this volume is worthwhile for the two slightly later Masses.’ – Gramophone

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‘[Konradi’s] solos in both Masses are ravishing. To dispel any doubt, her Latin enunciation is also superb. The performance here is efficient, indicating that Poppen should have a fine set of Masses when he is finished.’ – Fanfare

‘It is an excellent album. Rarely has such attention been given to Mozart’s early compositions…There is no phrase without intention, no articulation that is not respected, and if you add to that the fine phrasing and elegance of the delivery, plus a choir in masterful blending, and soloists who more than fulfil expectations, the end result is that from Cologne’s complete recording that is increasing in quality with every release. Congratulations, Maestro Poppen.’ – Ritmo

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SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

Ernest BLOCH (1880–1959) Violin Sonatas Nos. 1 and 2 ‘Poème mystique’ * Baal Shem • Suite No. 1 for Solo Violin Spectrum Concerts Berlin Boris Brovtsyn, Violin • Diana Ketler, Piano * The full range of Ernest Bloch’s music for violin and piano can be heard on this album, which journeys from his fiery early works to one of his last compositions. Both violin sonatas explore personal themes. The First , in its barbarism, alludes to the First World War, while the Second , subtitled Poème mystique , was inspired by a dream and is suffused with lyrical episodes from Gregorian chant. The melancholy and ecstasy evoked in Baal Shem derive from Hebrew music, including pre-existing synagogal melodies. The economy of the neo- Baroque Suite No. 1 for Solo Violin reveals a more reserved but no less inventive side of Bloch’s violin writing. Key features: • Violinist Boris Brovtsyn has collaborated with conductors including Sir Neville Marriner, Vladimir Jurowski and Neemi Järvi, performing with leading orchestras such as the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, London Philharmonic and Berlin Radio Symphony. His discography spans Decca, BIS, Onyx and Naxos. He has recorded Taneyev on 8.574566: ‘ Brovtsyn and Nebolsin are excellent in the sonata…and the ensemble shines as well in the quintet… the present recording gives much pleasure, and can be recommended without reservation’ ( Fanfare ). • He has also recorded Schulhoff on 8.573525: ‘No praise is too high for Spectrum Concerts Berlin , who spare no effort in bringing Schulhoff freshly to life. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a more winning introduction to his output, which is also beautifully recorded’ ( Gramophone ).

8.574728 Release date: 11 Sep 2026

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Listen to an excerpt from Violin Sonata No. 1: I. Agitato LISTEN

Tracklist

1 Violin Sonata No. 2 ‘Poème mystique’ (1924) Baal Shem – Three Pictures of Chassidic Life for Violin and Piano (1923) 2 I. Vidui: Un poco lento 3 II. Nigun: Adagio non troppo 4 III. Simchas Torah: Allegro giocoso

Suite No. 1 for Solo Violin (1958) 5 Prelude –

6 Andante tranquillo – 7 Allegro – Andante – 8 Allegro energico

Violin Sonata No. 1 (1920)

9 I. Agitato 0 II. Molto quieto ! III. Moderato

Spectrum Concerts Berlin © Adil Razali

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

About Diana Ketler, Piano Diana Ketler was born in Riga and received her first musical inspiration from her parents. As a soloist, chamber musician and conductor, she has performed at venues including the Musikverein and Konzerthaus in Vienna, Carnegie Hall in New York, Het Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Suntory Hall and Opera City Concert Hall in Tokyo, Osaka Symphony Hall, Bozar Brussels, Philharmonie Berlin, Wigmore Hall in London, Franz Liszt Hall in Budapest, Teatro La Fenice in Venice, and appeared at festivals such as Lucerne Festival, Rheingau Musik Festival, Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad and Kuhmon Kamarimusiikki. She is the artistic director of SoNoRo Festival in Romania and Chiemgauer Musikfrühling in Bavaria. About Boris Brovtsyn, Violin A profound and versatile musician Boris Brovtsyn , is in demand worldwide as both a concerto soloist and chamber musician. He is a frequent guest at Les Grands Interprètes chamber music series in Geneva as well as Spectrum Concerts Berlin, where he has appeared every season since 2008. After graduating from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Brovtsyn made his UK debut with the BBC Philharmonic and soon relocated to London.

Also available from the Spectrum Concerts Berlin

‘The Trio gives ample weight to all the instruments, and in this recording the piano is subdued. The playing and teamwork are exemplary… This new pairing is highly recommended.’ – American Record Guide

‘The stellar soloists featured here certainly play the music with great conviction and the [album] offers a good introduction to a prodigiously talented composer.’ – BBC Music Magazine

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‘Splendid playing, marked by perfect intonation, ensemble balance, and tonal warmth, conjoined with emotional engagement, interpretive intelligence, and superior recording, add up to a very strong recommendation for this release.’ – Fanfare

‘This is a superb performance of Taneyev’s massive and meaty Piano Quintet. …the members of Spectrum Concerts Berlin appear to love this work dearly.’ – Gramophone

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Cipriani POTTER (1792–1871) Romantic Piano, Vol. 12 Piano Works

Enigma Variations • Piano Sonata in E minor Introduction and Rondo giocoso • Three Toccatas Luke Jones, Piano Even though Cipriani Potter’s desire for lessons with Beethoven did not materialise, he benefitted from the great composer’s advice and showed in his own music a thorough understanding of German models. As an admired soloist he also introduced piano concertos by Mozart and Beethoven to Britain. Potter’s Sonata in E minor shows these influences alongside some inventive flourishes and dramatic turbulence, whereas the three expertly written Toccatas reveal the influence of Bach. Enigma Variations was written in the style of five named contemporary composers, an example of witty, ingenious and warm-hearted composition. Luke Jones’ recording of the Fantasia in G major on Mayr’s ‘Chi dice mal d’amore’ is available for streaming and download on a digital single 9.70391. Key features: • Pianist Luke Jones has performed as concerto soloist with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, and Orchestra of the Swan. He holds the RNCM Gold Medal, the college’s highest honour for performance, and his competition prizes include Second Prize and Mompou Prize at the Maria Canals International Piano Competition. • Leslie Howard, the famous pianist, wrote of Jones: ‘Luke Jones allows the listener to take his prodigious technique for granted, he plunges straight to the intellectual and emotional heart of the music. The consequences are thrilling and fulfilling!’ • ‘[Jones] saw his performance on the night receiving a standing ovation and three encores of music by Rachmaninov and Scarlatti... Rarely have I heard playing of such clarity and the orchestra responded to his sound splendidly’ ( Wrexham.com ).

8.574694 Release date: 25 Sep 2026

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Listen to an excerpt from Piano Sonata in E minor, Op. 4: IV. Finale: Allegro molto LISTEN

Tracklist Piano Sonata in E minor, Op. 4 (pub. 1818) 1 I. Allegro con brio 2 II. Andante con moto 3 III. Tempo di Menuetto – Trio 4 IV. Finale: Allegro molto 5 Introduction and Rondo giocoso, Op. 20 (c. 1826) 6 Toccata in G major, Op. 9, No. 1 (pub. c. 1816) 7 Toccata in B flat major, Op. 9, No. 2 (pub. 1818) 8 Toccata in E major, Op. 9, No. 3 (comp. before 1825) 9 Variations and Fantasia on a Favourite Irish Air in the Style of Five Eminent Artists, Op. 5 ‘Enigma Variations’ (pub. c. 1825)

Cipriani POTTER Fantasia in G major on Mayr’s ‘Chi dice mal d’amore’

7 30099 73911 5

* Only available for download and streaming

9.70391 * Playing time: 9:35 Release date: 25 Sep 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

About Luke Jones, Piano Luke Jones was born in Wrexham, North Wales, and began playing the piano at five, making his recital debut at ten. His performing career has taken him across Britain, Europe and Japan, including appearances at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester; Symphony Hall, Birmingham; St David’s Hall, Cardiff; Salle Cortot, Paris; Philharmonie Luxembourg; Wiener Saal, Salzburg; and the Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona. He has performed as a concerto soloist with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Manchester Camerata and Orchestra of the Swan. He holds the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) Gold Medal, and competition prizes include Second Prize and the Mompou Prize at the Maria Canals International Piano Competition; First Prize at both The Bromsgrove International Musicians’ Competition and the Chopin-Roma International Piano Competition; and Second Prize at the Dudley International Piano Competition.

The Romantic Piano series

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‘Avagyan is an inspired interpreter of the smaller pieces, dances, songs, and marches, giving each of the little miniatures its own character and thus ensuring variety so that the sequence never becomes monotonous.’ – Pizzicato

‘[Fediurko] plays everything with engagement and technical mastery…’ – American Record Guide UPERSONIC S

‘The young Spanish pianist María Linares does full justice to this character. She emphasises the romantic character, passion, and virtuosity [of the music] just as well as she is able to bring the poetic pieces to life in her internalised interpretation. Her piano sound is beautifully round and warm.’ – Pizzicato

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

THE MUSIC OF BRAZIL

Rafael Cesario , Sonia Rubinsky and Emmanuele Baldini

Listen to an excerpt from Balada for Cello and Piano LISTEN

8.574642 Release date: 25 Sep 2026

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José Antônio de ALMEIDA PRADO (1943–2010)

Key features: •

This release has been preceded with a recording of Almeida Prado’s Violin and Cello Works (8.574459) with these musicians, and Pizzicato commenting that ‘ Emmanuele Baldini […] gives Almeida Prado’s works an exciting mixture of charming folk and modern-sounding sections. …he finds the ways and means to model the character of the pieces and exude Brazilian flair.’ An AllMusic.com review added that ‘the music is varied and attractive. …violinist Emmanuele Baldini and cellist Rafael Cesario capture its friendly qualities.’ • Brazilian pianist Sonia Rubinsky was awarded Best Classical Album at the 2009 Latin GRAMMY Awards for the eighth volume of the complete works of Heitor Villa-Lobos, recorded for Naxos (8.570504). Thrice a recipient of the prestigious Carlos Gomes Prize in her native Brazil, Rubinsky’s Naxos recordings of works by Bach entitled Magna Sequentia I , II and III , were critically acclaimed. Composer Almeida Prado has dedicated several of his works to her, and his Sonata for Cello and Piano was commissioned by and dedicated to Rubinsky and cellist Antonio Meneses.

Piano Trios ** Cello Sonata * Balada for Cello and Piano * Emmanuele Baldini, Violin

Rafael Cesario, Cello Sonia Rubinsky, Piano

José Antônio de Almeida Prado’s music is the result of a unique combination of influences, moving through different styles and techniques while always displaying a recognisably strong personal imprint. Chamber music accounts for a large part of Almeida Prado’s output. The Trio de Fontainebleau is infused with the ambience of his studies in France with Nadia Boulanger. The Balada is characteristic of the composer’s mature style with textures based on resonances, free modalism, consonant ‘transtonal harmony’ and alternation between simple and complex rhythms. Trio Marítimo evokes the Portuguese poetry of Fernando Pessoa, while the Cello Sonata , with its richly expressive palette of references, was considered by the composer to be one of his greatest achievements.

Tracklist

Trio Marítimo (1983) 3 I. Prólogo: Horizonte – 4 II. Oceano Atlântico: A viagem 5 III. Interlúdio 6 IV. As ilhas afortunadas 7 V. Os Titãs (Fuga a 3)

Cello Sonata (2003) *

1 Balada for Cello and Piano (1985) * 2 Trio de Fontainebleau (1970) ** I. Préparation – II. Action – III. Mémoire

8 I. Adagio 9 II. Scherzo 0 III. Ciaccona

* FIRST COMMERCIAL RECORDING ** WORLD PREMIERE RECORDING

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

About This Series The series The Music of Brazil is part of the project Brasil em Concerto , developed by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to promote music by Brazilian composers dating back to the 18th century. Around 100 orchestral works from the 19th and 20th centuries will be recorded by the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra, the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra and the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra. Further recordings of chamber and vocal music will gradually be added to this collection. The works were selected according to their historical importance for Brazilian music and the existence of recordings. Most of the works recorded for the series have never had recordings available outside Brazil; many others will have their world premiere recordings. An important part of the project is the preparation of new or even first editions of the works to be recorded, many of which, despite their relevance, have only been available in the composer’s manuscript. This work will be carried out by the Brazilian Academy of Music and by musicologists working together with the orchestras.

The Music of Brazil

‘This collection of works for piano and orchestra showcases the composer’s startling musical imagination and is performed with mastery and poise by Brazilian pianist Sonia Rubinsky and the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra (MGPO).’ – BBC Music Magazine

‘Emmanuele Baldini… produces an alluring tone that taps into the natural resonances of his instrument and phrases with a natural instinct… this elusive yet deeply rewarding music is among the finest ever written for violin and piano.’ – BBC Music Magazine

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‘The music is varied and attractive. …violinist Emmanuele Baldini and cellist Rafael Cesario capture its friendly qualities.’ – AllMusic.com

‘This is very good playing and a serious rendering of composers who take their craft seriously. Huge culminations where the limits of the instrument are tested – yet retain their beauty – set this apart.’ – American Record Guide

Remy Franck’s Journal about Classical Music

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

A German Spirit 17th Century Music for the Time of Whitsun and Trinitatis

Margaretha Consort Marit Broekroelofs

With A German Spirit , the Margaretha Consort completes the trilogy following A German Christmas (2018) and A German Passion (2023). This release, too, is more than a historical reconstruction: it is a living musical experience in which sound, spirituality and heritage meet. Through the combination of historical awareness, artistic curiosity, creativity and passion, this centuries-old music sounds fresh and contemporary, building a bridge between past and present. Key features: • The early music ensemble Margaretha Consort , based in the Netherlands, was founded in 2009 by Marit Broekroelofs. Since its inception, the ensemble has established itself as a highly specialised and artistically outstanding collective that uniquely combines in-depth expertise, stylistic mastery and musical expressiveness. • The musicians combine technical skill with a deep shared musical vision, characterised by mutual trust, sensitivity and artistic kinship. Among the ensemble’s particular strengths are not only its outstanding artistic quality but also its dramaturgically well thought-out, varied and thematically compelling programmes. A keen sense of historical context, stylistic authenticity and musical dramaturgy is combined with a rousing, intense joy of performance.

8.551481 Release date: 11 Sep 2026

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About Marit Broekroelofs, Artistic director

Marit Broekroelofs , as artistic director of the Margaretha Consort, possesses a clear artistic vision and a keen sensitivity to timbre, expression, emotion and musical impact. In her work, she consistently seeks out new sonic perspectives and forms of expression. Her interpretative decisions are always based on a deep understanding of the music’s liturgical and historical context. She combines stylistic authenticity with pragmatism and artistic freedom, thereby creating performances in which she regards historically informed performance practice not as a rigid set of rules, but as a responsible foundation for individual, independent interpretations. Marit Broekroelofs feels both a desire and an obligation to engage intensively with historical sources, performance traditions and musicological insights. It is within this tension between research and artistic freedom that her personal style emerges.

Other early music releases

‘Everyone plays and sings quite attractively, and the proceedings are rendered with both sweetness and vigor. The recorded sound is rich and spacious.’ – Fanfare

‘Soloists, female or male choirs sculpt the words and music with great delicacy.’ – Diapason

‘I am very taken with this recording, both for the selections and for the quality of the performances. Most of these works exhibit hallmarks of the stile moderno and indulge in the expressive properties of chromaticism and unusual harmonic juxtapositions.’ – American Record Guide

‘The performers are fine advocates for this music, where the composer’s use of a variety of techniques such as modulation, time signatures, and counterpoint is “always for the purpose of communicating the immediacy of the word”.’ – American Record Guide

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

Transcriptions for two Guitars FRANCK • RACHMANINOV SCHUBERT • SCHUMANN Bluvenduo – Sebastian Robles, Zhanxiang Shi, Guitars

The prizewinning guitar duo Bluvenduo present a versatile selection of transcriptions for two guitars, several of which have never previously been arranged for this format. The freshness and sense of discovery in Schubert’s Sonata in A major is a product of the music’s inherent songful lyricism, perfect material for a guitar duo. So, too, is Franck’s Prélude, fugue et variation , a work of variety, elegance and light textures. The three Rachmaninov Preludes provide subtly contrasting moods, while Schumann’s Kinderszenen offers a wealth of intimacy, excitement and expressive refinement. Key features: • There is one world premiere recording here – the arrangement of Schumann’s Kinderszenen . • Zhanxiang Shi and Sebastian Robles work collaboratively in order to produce pieces that make the most of the possibilities of a guitar duo, resulting in arrangements that are naturally idiomatic, but when musically necessary, push the boundaries of what is achievable on the instrument. Bluvenduo’s arrangements are published by Kalia Editions, an imprint of MusiCurate, as well as Éditions Fougeray • The producer, engineer and editor of this recording is internationally acclaimed performer Norbert Kraft , who launched Naxos’s Guitar Collection as producer and artistic director.

8.579184 Release date: 4 Sep 2026

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Listen to an excerpt from SCHUBERT, F.: Piano Sonata No. 13 in A major, Op. posth. 120, D. 664: I. Allegro moderato LISTEN

Tracklist

Franz SCHUBERT (1797–1828) 1 – 3 Piano Sonata No. 13 in A major,

Sergey RACHMANINOV (1873–1943) 5 – 7 13 Preludes, Op. 32 (1910) (excerpts) * Robert SCHUMANN (1810–1856) 8 – ) Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (‘Scenes of Childhood’) (1838) **

Op. posth. 120, D. 664 (1819 or 1825) * César FRANCK (1822–1890) No. 3. Prélude, fugue et variation in B minor, Op. 18, M. 30 (1860–62) *

4 Six Pieces for Organ –

All works arranged by Sebastian Robles (b. 2001) and Zhanxiang Shi (b. 2000) for two guitars

* FIRST COMMERCIAL RECORDING ** WORLD PREMIERE RECORDING

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

About the Bluvenduo The musical collaboration between Zhanxiang (Joshua) Shi (China) and Sebastian Robles (Canada) began in San Francisco in 2018 during their first year of study under the guidance of Judicaël Perroy. Bluvenduo has since performed in San Francisco, Paris and Geneva, and throughout North America, and was awarded First Prize at the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America International Ensemble competition in 2025. Since its inception, the duo has continued to diversify its repertoire with pieces that are enhanced by the simultaneously expressive and percussive sound of the guitar, including many of its own arrangements, which are taken from the ‘grand ré pertoire ’, and aspire to present masterworks by Rachmaninov, Schubert and Schumann on two guitars while keeping the musical integrity of the original compositions.

Other works for guitar duo

‘The arrangements themselves are beautiful, maximising the use of various effects such as palm muting and artificial harmonics to evoke not just the sounds of the orchestra but the sights and smells of the Spanish campo. The performances, too, are beautiful…’ – Gramophone A madeus Das Klassik- & Jazz-Magazin

‘Yuri Liberson and his guest partner Piotr Pakhomkin, both superb technicians, make the most of the delightfully dense patterns of the score.’ – Fanfare

‘This disc is a fine example of contemporary music that stretches the listener’s ears but not to the point of breaking, performed by two excellent artists who have combined their talents to move the art form forward.’ – American Record Guide

‘These duets are anything but purely virtuosic, for they contain music rich in melody… This in any case is conveyed by the two guitarists of the Skogmo-Franke duo, who play expressively with great sensitivity and inspiration. It is a guitar playing that speaks to you in a very special way, because it builds a communicative bridge to the listener that immediately captures him.’ – Pizzicato

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEW ON NAXOS

Cello Sonatas BARBER • DOHNÁNYI • POULENC Andreas Brantelid, Cello Søren Rastogi, Piano

Francis Poulenc was a fluent writer of sonatas for solo wind instruments with piano, but, after some difficulties in completing the Cello Sonata , he enlisted the help of the work’s dedicatee, Pierre Fournier, who enabled him to finish the piece. Samuel Barber’s stormy Cello Sonata has close links with Brahms through its passionate declamations from thes cello and meaningful counterpoint in the piano. The influence of Brahms is also deeply felt in Ernő Dohnányi’s Cello Sonata with its tense standoffs, beautiful lines and jubilant conclusion. Key features: Released as a digital exclusive for Naxos Denmark, this recording brings together three sonatas for cello and piano that are rarely heard together, and as far as we know never on a single recorded programme. Poulenc’s Cello Sonata almost invariably appears in single composer programmes, and both Barber and Dohnányi’s works are relative rarities in the catalogues. With excellent performances by two renowned Danish musicians we are confident that this will have plenty of streaming/download traffic.

9.70380 * Release date: 11 Sep 2026

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Tracklist

Francis POULENC (1899–1963) Cello Sonata, FP 143 (1948) 1 I. Allegro – Tempo di Marcia 2 II. Cavatine (Lent) 3 III. Ballabile (Très animé) 4 IV. Final (Lent – Presto) Samuel BARBER (1910–1981) Cello Sonata, Op. 6 (1932) 5 I. Allegro ma non troppo 6 II. Adagio 7 III. Allegro appassionato

Ernő DOHNÁNYI (1877–1960) Cello Sonata in B flat minor, Op. 8 (1899) 8 I. Allegro ma non troppo 9 II. Scherzo: Vivace assai 0 III. Adagio non troppo – ! IV. Tema con variazioni: Allegro moderato

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About Søren Rastogi, Piano Søren Rastogi is one of Denmark’s most versatile concert pianists. A consummate soloist and sought-after recital partner, he is a frequent guest at chamber music festivals, and together with his wife, cellist Janne Fredens, is co-artistic director of the Odsherred Kammermusikfestival. He also collaborates with the Danish National Vocal Ensemble as both pianist and musical director. Rastogi’s discography includes the world premiere recording of Klenau’s Piano Concerto (Dacapo Records), Visiting Grieg with baritone Johannes Weisser (Simax Classics) and Upheaval with Janne Fredens (OUR Recordings). Rastogi is associate professor at the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus, and serves as chairman of the jury for the Aarhus International Piano Competition.

About Andreas Brantelid, Cello Andreas Brantelid was born in Copenhagen in 1987 to Swedish/Danish parents. After receiving early tuition from his father, he made his debut as a soloist at the age of 14 with the Royal Danish Orchestra. Today, Brantelid is one of the most sought-after Scandinavian artists, winning worldwide critical acclaim for his thought-provoking interpretations, uniquely colourful sound and engaging personality. Brantelid has previously released albums on labels such as Proprius, EMI and BIS, with acclaimed releases on Naxos including Russian Tales (8.573985) and Times of Transition (8.574365). Brantelid plays the 1707 ‘Boni-Hegar’ Stradivarius, which has been made available to him by the generous support of Norwegian art collector Christen Sveaas.

Other recordings featuring Andreas Brantelid

‘Three British works with less than 10 years between them… reveals a glimmer of defiance. Rich tone and immaculate precision from Brantelid, plus finely judged accompaniment

‘Each etude is presented with awe-inspiring clarity and technical precision, tossed off with apparent ease. The result is incredibly impressive and enjoyable to listen to.’ – American Record Guide re ersDH Remy Franck’s Journal about Classical Music

‘[A] finely nuanced account by brilliant young Swedish-Danish cellist Andreas Brantelid, who plays throughout… with an outstanding sweetness of tone… Concerto Copenhagen, directed from the harpsichord by Lars Ulrik Mortense, accompanies stylishly.’ – BBC Music Magazine

from the orchestra and pianist Bengt Forsberg.’

– BBC Music Magazine

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Remy Franck’s Journal about Classical Music

THE STRAD RECOMMENDS

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