Challenge Classics > Romantic Period

Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 2 "Lobgesang" / Machteld Baumans, Judith van Wanrooij, Patrick Henckens. De Vriend

1 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2013-02-12

Works: Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony no 2 in B flat major, Op. 52 "Lobgesang"
Conductors: de Vriend, Jan Willem
Ensemble: Netherlands Symphony Orchestra

The Netherlands Symphony Orchestra and renowned conductor Jan Willem de Vriend give us their own unique version of Mendelssohn....continue...
Recording information: Muziekcentrum Enschede (2011-12-19&2011-12-20&2012-)....continue...

Folk Stories - Traditional folk songs and music by Brahms, Beethoven, Mahler, Britten, Respighi, Bartók, Sibelius, and Vogel / Cora Burggraaf: mezzo-soprano

1 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2013-02-12

Works: English Traditional: Sprig of Thyme; Johannes Brahms: Marienwürmchen ("Marienwürmchen, setze dich"), folk song for voice & piano (Volks-Kinderlieder), WoO; German folk songs (49) for voice ...
Performers: Burggraaf, Cora; Ferschtman, Liza; Lepper, Simon; Mijnders, Floris

The debut CD on Challenge Classics for Cora Burggraaf, recipient of many prizes including the 2009/10 ECHO Rising Star Award, the 2006 Elizabeth Everts Prize,...continue...
Recording information: De Doelen Hall, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (2011-04-26&2011-12-11_2011-)....continue...

Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 3 / Zweden, Netherlands Radio PO

1 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2013-02-12

Works: Anton Bruckner: Symphony no 3 in D minor, WAB 103
Conductors: Zweden, Jaap van
Ensemble: Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra

Jaap van Zweden, one of the world's leading conductors and Chief Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, is the true Bruckner conductor. The illustrious conductor...continue...
Recording information: Studio MCO 5, Hilversum, Holland (12/21/2011-12/23/2011)....continue...

Linkages - Brahms: Fantasies, Op. 116; Schoenberg: Suite Op. 25; works by Wagner, Liszt / Martin Tchiba: piano

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2012-11-13

Works: Johannes Brahms: Fantasies (7) for Piano, Op. 116; Richard Wagner: Albumblatt (Ankunft bei schwarzen Schwänen), for piano in A flat major, WWV 95; Franz Liszt: Nuages gris (Trübe Wolken), f...
Performers: Tchiba, Martin

American Record Guide, March / April 2013
The remaining works on the program are generally good, too. The Schoenberg Suite is more consistent, full of good...continue...
Recording information: Niederberg Forum, Velbert, Germany (10/07/2010-10/09/2010); Niederberg Forum, Velbert, Germany (11/15/2010-11/17/2010)....continue...

An die Musik: Famous Songs (21) by Franz Schubert / Klaus Mertens, bass-baritone; Tini Mathot, fortepiano

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2012-10-09

Works: Franz Schubert: Der Musensohn, D 764/Op. 92 no 1; Litanei auf das Fest Aller Seelen, D 343; Auf dem Wasser zu singen, D 774; Das Rosenband ("Im Frühlingsgarten fand ich sie"), song for voice & p...
Performers: Mathot, Tini; Mertens, Klaus

This release includes Schubert's most famous songs, plus many more selected by Klaus Mertens and Tini Mathot. The duo sheds their unique light and fresh...continue...
Recording information: Zuidervermaning Church, Westzaan, The Netherlands (09/2011)....continue...

Bruckner: Symphony No. 8 / Jaap van Zweden - Netherland Radio PO

2 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2012-10-09

Works: Anton Bruckner: Symphony no 8 in C minor, WAB 108
Conductors: Zweden, Jaap van
Ensemble: Netherland Radio Philharmonic Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra chief conductor Jaap van Zweden was the former chief conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom he made this recording....continue...
Recording information: Studio MCO 5, Hilversum, Holland (08/25/2011-08/29/2011)....continue...

Amstel Tracks NOW!: works by Bach, Brahms, Barber, Ravel, Barber, et al / The Amstel Saxophone Quartet

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2012-04-10

Works: Johann Sebastian Bach: Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (II), chorale prelude for organ (Achtzehn Choräle no 8), BWV 659 (BC K8; Guillermo Lago: Ciudades, for saxophone quartet; Johannes Brahms: Symp...
Conductors:
Ensemble: Amstel Quartet

The most colorful saxophone quartet in the world! Old music, new music, popular music, world music - anything goes with Remco Jak, Olivier Sliepen, Bas...continue...
Recording information: Doopsgezinde Kerk, Haarlem (09/27/2011-09/30/2011)....continue...

Dvorak: Violin Concerto; Gershwin: An American in Paris / Liza Ferschtman, violin

1 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2012-02-14

Works: Antonin Dvorák: Concerto for Violin in A minor, Op. 53; George Gershwin: An American in Paris
Performers: Ferschtman, Liza
Conductors: Venzago, Mario
Ensemble: ; Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra Amsterdam

Anton Dvorák's much loved Violin Concerto is performed on this new hybrid SACD by the outstanding young soloist Liza Ferschtman. The disc also includes George...continue...
Recording information: Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (04/20/2011-04/22/2011)....continue...

Kreutzer Sonata and Other Works for Cello & Piano / Jelena Ocic, Federico Lovato

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2012-01-10

Works: Ignaz Moscheles: 5 studies in melodic counterpoint, Op. 137a (preludes from Bach's "The Well-Tempered Clavier" with c; Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata for Violin and Piano no 9 in A major, Op. 47 "Kreut...
Performers: Lovato, Federico; Ocic, Jelena [Cello]

The young Croatian cellist Jelena Ocic has been singled out as one of the most gifted of her generation. On this CD she is accompanied...continue...
Recording information: FWL STudios, Leipzig, Germany (01/04/2011-01/08/2011)....continue...

Robert Schumann: Piano Trios Op. 38 & 110 / Voces Intimae, period instruments

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2012-01-10

Works: Robert Schumann: Trio for Piano and Strings no 1 in D minor, Op. 63; Trio for Piano and Strings no 3 in G minor, Op. 110
Conductors:
Ensemble: Voces Intimae (Piano Trio)

Challenge Classics welcomes Voces Intimae with their debut CD, featuring the music of Schumann. The intent of this trio is to restore the music to...continue...
Recording information: FWL Studios, Leipzig (G) (05/19/2011-05/22/2011)....continue...

Der Wanderer: Songs by Schumann, Killmayer & Mahler / Christoph Prégardien, tenor

1 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2012-01-10

Works: Robert Schumann: Frühlingsfahrt ("Es zogen zwei rüst'ge Gesellen"), song for voice & piano, Op. 45/2; Waldszenen no 1 ("Eintritt"), for piano, Op. 82/1; In der Fremde ("Ich hör' die B&...
Conductors: Prégardien, Christoph
Ensemble: Ensemble Kontraste

Christoph Prégardien's newest CD features songs by Schumann, Killmayer, and Mahler, arranged for chamber ensemble by Marcus Reißenberger. Well-known works have a fresh glow, and...continue...
Recording information: Galaxy Studios, Mol (Belgium) (09/14/2010-09/18/2010)....continue...

Melodies of Love and Death: Opera without Words / Osiris Piano Trio

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2011-11-08

Works: Antonin Dvorák: Rusalka; Giuseppe Verdi: La Traviata; Georges Bizet: Carmen, opera; Gaetano Donizetti: L' elisir d'amore, opera; Giacomo Puccini: Tosca; Manon Lescaut; Turandot; La bohème...
Performers: Osiris Trio
Conductors:
Ensemble: Osiris Piano Trio

Superb arrangements of opera arias, made by Bob Zimmerman for piano trio, brilliantly played by the Osiris Trio! This feast of famous arias heavily features...continue...
Recording information: The Fazioli Concert hall, Sacile, Italy (06/28/2010-06/30/2010)....continue...

Beethoven, Krufft: Sonatas for Horn & Piano / Anneke Scott, horn; Kathryn Cok, piano

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2011-10-11

Works: Nikolaus Von Krufft: Sonata for horn & piano in E major; Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata for Horn and Piano in F major, Op. 17; Franz Joseph Haydn: "Rider" quartet; Maximilian Joseph Leidesdorf: Sonata ...
Performers: Cok, Kathryn; Scott, Anneke [Horn]

An extraordinary collection of 19th-century works for horn and fortepiano! The brilliant tone and superb virtuosity of the famous Anneke Scott and the refined, balanced...continue...
Recording information: Balletica Studios, Covent Garden, London (11/20/2007-11/23/2007)....continue...

Richard Wagner: Parsifal

4 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2011-10-11

Works: Richard Wagner: Parsifal
Conductors: Zweden, Jaap van

Jaap van Zweden, chief conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, is one of the world's leading conductors. Concurrently with his post in Dallas, van Zweden's...continue...

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2011-10-11

Works: Modest Mussorgsky: Pictures at an exhibition; Franz Liszt: Concert Etudes (3) for Piano, S 144; Paraphrase on Quartet from Verdi's "Rigoletto", S 434
Performers: Tsujii, Nobuyuki

The second album for Challenge Classics from the Japanese pianist - this time a solo album! Pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii was joint Gold Medalist of the...continue...
Recording information: Teldex Studio Berlin (05/06/2010-05/07/2010)....continue...

Young Hearts On Fire / Music for Strings by Korngold, Rossini & Mendelssohn

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2011-09-13

Works: Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony for Strings no 10 in B minor; Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Sextet for strings in D, Op. 10; Gioachino Rossini: Sonata a quattro (String Symphony) no 6 in D major
Conductors:
Ensemble: Ensemble Caméléon

Mozart was a great idol for all three of the composers featured here, and all three were compared to him. The disc features works from...continue...
Recording information: Studio 1, The Netherlands Broadcasting Music Center, Hi (05/14/2010-05/21/2010)....continue...

Miroirs: Piano Works by Schumann, Ravel & Scriabin / Alexei Volodin, piano

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2011-09-13

Works: Robert Schumann: Kreisleriana; Maurice Ravel: Miroirs; Alexander Scriabin: Sonata for Piano no 5 in F sharp major, Op. 53
Performers: Volodin, Alexei

Alexei Volodin is a modest virtuoso. This seems contradictory, but it simply means that using virtuosity to "show off" is not his thing. Being technically...continue...
Recording information: Kurhaus Bad Reichenhall, Germany (09/21/2010-09/23/2010)....continue...

Brahms, Rheinberger: Clarinet Sonatas / Oudenweijer

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2011-06-14

Works: Johannes Brahms: Sonata for clarinet (or viola) & piano no 2 in E flat major, Op. 120/2; Sonata for clarinet (or viola) & piano no 1 in F minor, Op. 120/1; Joseph Rheinberger: Sonata for clarinet & p...
Performers: Eijsackers, Hans; van den Oudenwijer, Lars Wouters

Lars Wouters van den Oudenweijer is the top solo clarinetist in the Netherlands, known for his warm and powerful tone that is compelling and sensitive...continue...
Recording information: FWL STudios, Leipzig, Germany (06/28/2010-06/29/2010)....continue...

Willen van Otterloo: The Original Recordings: 1951-1966

7 CD / Challenge Classics / 2011-06-14

Works: Bedrich Smetana: Bartered Bride, B 143/T 93; César Franck: Les Eolides, M 43; Symphony in D minor, M 48; Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus & orchestra (also arr. for piano, 4 hands), M. 47;...
Performers: Asma, Feike; Groot, Cor De; Krebbers, Herman; Olof, Theo
Conductors: Otterloo, Willem Van

Brahms: Violin Sonatas

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2011-05-10

Works: Johannes Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano no 1 in G major, Op. 78; Sonata for Violin and Piano no 2 in A major, Op. 100; Sonata for Violin and Piano no 3 in D minor, Op. 108; Scherzo for Violin an...
Performers: Gallardo, José [Piano]; Roth, Linus

Linus Roth's playing combines an exceptional cultivated sound with technical brilliance, accompanied by musical intuition and a vast knowledge of different styles. This recording is...continue...
Recording information: Potton Hall, Suffolk, UK (07/21/2010-07/24/2010)....continue...

Sergei Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2; Franz Liszt: Piano Pieces

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2011-03-08

Works: Sergey Rachmaninov: Concerto for Piano no 2 in C minor, Op. 18; Franz Liszt: Liebesträume, notturno for piano no 1 in A flat major ("Hohe Liebe"), S. 541/1 (LW A103/1); Der Tanz in der Dorfschen...
Performers: Tsujii, Nobuyuki
Conductors: Sado, Yutaka
Ensemble: Deutches Symphony Orchestra Berlin

Blind pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii became a worldwide sensation after he was named joint Gold Medalist of the 13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Here, he...continue...

Richard Wagner Orchestral Adventure / De Waart

3 CD / Challenge Classics / 2010-11-09

Works: Richard Wagner: Das Rheingold; Die Walküre; Siegfried; Götterdämmerung; Tristan und Isolde; Parsifal
Conductors: De Waart, Edo

After very successful concert tours featuring the orchestral adventures of Wagner operas-with arrangements by Henk de Vlieger-Edo de Waart and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic now...continue...
Recording information: Concertgebouw, Amsterdam....continue...

Richard Wagner Die Meistersinger - An Orchestral Tribute / De Waart

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2010-11-09

Works: Henk de Vlieger: Meistersinger, an orchestral tribute; Richard Wagner: Entreactes tragiques (2), for orchestra (fragments), WWV 25
Conductors: De Waart, Edo; Tausk, Otto

Famous "orchestral builder" Edo de Waart presents new interpretations of Wagner's Die Meistersinger and Deux entreactes tragiques in beautiful arrangements by Henk de Vlieger....continue...
Recording information: MCO Studio 5, Hilversum, The Netherlands....continue...

Chopin: Piano Works / Alexei Volodin

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2010-05-11

Works: Frédéric Chopin: Impromptu for Piano no 1 in A flat major, B 110/Op. 29; Impromptu for Piano no 2 in F sharp major, B 129/Op. 36; Impromptu for Piano no 3 in G flat major, b 149/Op. 51; Fan...
Performers: Volodin, Alexei

An internationally known pianist who plays all over the world, Alexei Volodin has won prizes at various international competitions. In 2003 he won the First...continue...
Recording information: Bayerischer Rundfunk, Studio 1, München (D) (09/24/2009-09/26/2009)....continue...

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5

1 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2010-04-13

Works: Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky: Symphony no 5 in E minor, Op. 64; Marche slave, Op. 31
Conductors: Sado, Yutaka

The Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin plays a precise, darkly shimmering rendering of Tchaikovsky that resonates with an even balance of drama and finesse. In 1987, Yutaka...continue...
Recording information: Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin (D) (05/13/2008-05/15/2008)....continue...

Between Life & Death

2 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2010-02-09

Works: Johann Sebastian Bach: Komm, süsser Tod, komm, sel'ge Ruh'!, BWV 478; Gustav Mahler: Symphony no 2; Des Knaben Wunderhorn; Rückert Lieder (5); Franz Schubert: Schwanengesang, D 744; Aufl&ou...
Performers: Gees, Michael; Pregardien, Christoph

A selection of compositions ranging over almost two centuries, with eleven compositions and many musical forms. Pregardien and Gees present 22 faces of death in...continue...
Recording information: Galaxy Studios, Mol, Belgium (11/14/2008-11/17/2008)....continue...

Niccolo Paganini: Violin Concertos no 1 & 2 / Jan Willem de Vriend, Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, et al

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2009-11-10

Works: Niccolò Paganini: Concerto for Violin no 1 in E flat major (usually transposed to D major), Op. 6, MS 21; Concerto for Violin no 2 in B minor ("La campanella"), Op. 7, MS 48; Gioachino Rossini: ...
Performers: Koelman, Rudolf
Conductors: Vriend, Jan

The two most popular violin concertos of Paganini, aptly linked by a Rossini overture. Virtuoso violinist Rudolf Koelman is the former leader of Amsterdam's Royal...continue...

Schumann: Sonatas for Violin and Piano, Op. 105 & 121 / Roth, Gallardo

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2009-10-13

Works: Robert Schumann: Sonata for Violin and Piano no 2 in D minor, Op. 121; Sonata for Violin and Piano no 1 in A minor, Op. 105; Liederkreis, Op. 39; Aus den Hebräischen Gesängen ("Mein Herz is...
Performers: Gallardo, José [Piano]; Roth, Linus

Inspired performances by a duo that has played together for almost 10 years. Linus Roth plays on the colorful, rich-sounding A. Stradivari "Dancla" 1703 violin....continue...

Mendelssohn: String Quartet Op. 12, String Quintet Op. 18 / Matangi Quartet

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2009-10-13

Works: Felix Mendelssohn: Quartet for Strings no 1 in E flat major, Op. 12; Quintet for Strings no 1 in A major, Op. 18
Performers: Moergastel, Edith van
Conductors:
Ensemble: Matangi Quartet

Youthful freshness seems the trademark of this ensemble - Matangi plays Mendelssohn like the ink on the scores is still wet!...continue...

Mendelssohn: Six Sonatas for Organ, Op. 65 / Jos van der Kooy

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2009-09-08

Works: Felix Mendelssohn: Organ Sonatas (6), Op. 65
Performers: Kooy, Jos van der

There is no organ more apt to perform Mendelssohn's impressive sonatas than the Muller instrument of the St. Bavo in Haarlem - and no one...continue...

Onslow: Violin Sonatas Op. 16 / Moderntimes_1800

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2009-02-10

Works: George Onslow: Sonatas (3) for cello/viola (or violin) & piano, Op. 16
Performers: Korol, Ilja; Zeilberger, Norbert
Conductors:
Ensemble: Moderntimes_1800

Once again the choice of period instruments for neglected early romantic chamber music reveals its subtle quality that too often gets lost in performance on...continue...

Schubert: Schwanengesang, Songs after Seidl / Christoph Prégardien, Andreas Staier

1 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2008-11-11

Works: Franz Schubert: Herbst, D 945; Schwanengesang, D 957; Die Taubenpost ("Ich hab' eine brieftaub'"), song for voice & piano (Schwanengesang), D. 965a (D. 95; Sehnsucht, D 879/Op. 105 no 4; Am Fenster, ...
Performers: Prégardien, Christoph; Staier, Andreas [Keyboard]

"As good as Staier is, Pregardien is still the star of the show; he seems to be in the right place in terms of the...continue...

Elgar, Grieg: Violin Sonatas, etc / Charlie Siem, Andrei Korobeinikov

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2008-05-13

Works: Edward Elgar: Sonata for violin & piano in E minor, Op. 82; Serenade, for piano; Adieu, for piano; Edvard Grieg: Heart's melodies, Op. 5; Sonata no 3 in C minor for violin & piano
Performers: Korobeinikov, Andrei; Siem, Charlie

These young, ambitious musicians deliver inspired performances of two major sonatas as well as some lesser-known miniatures....continue...

Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin / Christoph Prégardien, Michael Gees

1 Super Audio CD / Challenge Classics / 2008-05-13

Works: Franz Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin, D 795/Op. 25
Performers: Gees, Michael; Prégardien, Christoph

With this performance of the immortal Mullerin, Christoph Pregardien plants a remarkably bright, clearly waving flag amidst his many fine recordings as well as in...continue...

Otterloo: Symphonietta for Triple Woodwind & 4 Horns, etc

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2008-04-08

Works: Willem Van Otterloo: Symphonietta for winds; Suite for string orchestra; Intrada, for brass & percussion; Serenade for brass and percussion; Franz Schubert: Fantasy for Piano 4 hands in F minor, D 94...
Conductors: Hamel, Micha; Fischer, Thierry
Ensemble: ; Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra

These are rarely recorded compositions from a world-famous conductor. These beautiful orchestral works are in the style of Bartok and the composers of his time....continue...

Brahms: Violin Sonatas / Korol, Grigorieva

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2008-04-08

Works: Johannes Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano no 1 in G major, Op. 78; Sonata for Violin and Piano no 2 in A major, Op. 100; Sonata for Violin and Piano no 3 in D minor, Op. 108
Performers: Grigorieva, Natalia; Korol, Ilja
Conductors:
Ensemble: moderntimes_1800

It is a revelation to hear Brahms on this thoroughbred, sonorous Streicher Grand - with its richness in overtones, powerful bass, and clear and focused...continue...

Special Arrangements - Shostakovich, etc

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2008-02-12

Works: Astor Piazzolla: La muerte del ángel, tango (from Angel series); Ludwig van Beethoven: Quartet for Strings in F major, Hess 34/Op. 14 no 1; Dmitry Shostakovich: Adagio and Allegretto (Elegy an...

A performance by one of Holland's leading string quartets, this CD is a valuable addition to any collection. Very few connoisseurs are familiar with these...continue...

Grieg, Elgar, Sibelius: Music for Violin & Piano

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2007-11-13

Works: Edvard Grieg: Sonata for Violin and Piano no 1 in F major, Op. 8; Edward Elgar: Sospiri, adagio for violin & piano, Op. 70; Sonata for violin & piano in E minor, Op. 82; Jean Sibelius: Humoresque, fo...
Performers: Brautigam, Ronald; van Keulen, Isabelle [Violin]

The year of this release is an anniversary year for all three composers on the CD: the centenary of Grieg’s death; Elgar’s 150th birthday; and...continue...

Schubert, Beethoven: Works for Piano & Violin / Ferschtman

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2007-07-10

Works: Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata for Violin and Piano no 10 in G major, Op. 96; Franz Schubert: Fantasy for Violin and Piano in C major, D 934/Op. 159; Sei mir gegrüsst, D 741/Op. 20 no 1
Performers: Barnatan, Inon; Ferschtman, Liza

An excellent, inventive coupling of two unexpected, closely related works from beloved composers in a well-considered, passionate performance by two young musicians. Violinist Liza Ferschtman,...continue...

Viola Voilà - Schubert, Stravinsky / E. Apituley, R. Tanaka

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2007-02-13

Works: Franz Schubert: Sonata for Arpeggione in A minor, D 821; Riccardo Drigo: Valse Bluette; Henri Vieuxtemps: Capriccio for Viola solo, Op. 55 no 9; John Cage: Dream; Igor Stravinsky: Elegy, for viola (o...
Performers: Apituley, Esther; Calmes, Eric; Dagelet, Hans; Tanaka, Rie
Conductors:
Ensemble: Amsterdam Viola Quartet

Esther Apituley is one of the greatest viola players of our time, alongside Kim Kashkashian and Yuri Bashmet. This broad, balanced program is a strong...continue...

Schubert: Winterreise / Oliemans, van den Brink

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2006-11-14

Works: Franz Schubert: Winterreise, D 911/Op. 89
Performers: Brink, Bert Van Den; Oliemans, Thomas

Schubert's cycle of twenty-four songs, 'Winterreise,' is a powerfully eloquent, heartrending diary of the winter journey of a rejected lover, whose unquenchable pain leads him...continue...

Romantic Pieces for Piano - Alkan, Liszt, Prokofiev / Roma

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2006-10-10

Works: Charles-Valentin Alkan: En rhythme molossique, etude for piano in D minor (Études dans tous les tons mineurs no 2), Op. 39/; Saltarelle, for piano in E minor, Op. 23; Franz Liszt: Venezia e Napo...
Performers: Roma, Igor

A unique program of great Romantic piano masterpieces, including Igor Roma's own arrangement of the Alkan work based on 'Aesop's Fables.' Roma, a winner of...continue...

Live at the St. Bavo / Jacques van Oortmerssen

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2006-09-12

Works: Johann Sebastian Bach: Prelude and Fugue for Organ in D major, BWV 532; Wir glauben all an einen Gott (IV), chorale prelude for organ (by J. L. Krebs, not JSB), BWV 740; Felix Mendelssohn: Sonatas (6...
Performers: Oortmerssen, Jacques van

Born in 1950, Jacques van Oortmerssen has been a professor of organ at universities in Amsterdam, Goteborg, Lyon, and Helsinki, and has been a guest...continue...

Première - Schubert, Haydn, Dvorák / Matangi Quartet

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2006-09-12

Works: Franz Schubert: Quartet for Strings no 12 in C minor, D 703/Op. posth "Quartettsatz"; Franz Joseph Haydn: Quartet for Strings in D major, Op. 20 no 4/H 3 no 34; Antonin Dvorák: Quartet for Strin...

The fresh young Matangi Quartet from Holland has played together since 1999, going so far as to all live in the same building along with...continue...

The Czech Legacy 2 - Smetana & Dvorák / Devich Trio

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2006-08-08

Works: Bedrich Smetana: Trio for Piano and Strings in G minor, JB 1; Antonin Dvorák: Trio for Piano and Strings no 1 in B flat major, Op. 21/B 51
Conductors:
Ensemble: Devich Trio

With his piano trio in the traditional key of joy, B flat major, Dvorak was continuing in the tradition of his two favorite composers, Mozart...continue...

Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle / Quink Vocal Ensemble

2 CD / Challenge Classics / 2006-07-11

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Petite Messe solennelle
Performers: Berne, Harry van; Doeselaar, Leo Van; Hoogendijk, Mattijs; Jordans, Wyneke; Kaasschieter, Mariët; Koning, Kees-Jan de; Luijmes, Dirk; Oelderik, Mariette; Witholt, Wiard

"It may seem hard to believe, but this performance of Rossini's 'Petite Messe solonelle' of 1863, accompanied by two pianos and a harmonium (all period...continue...

Johann Wilhelm Wilms / Halstead, Netherlands Radio CO

2 CD / Challenge Classics / 2006-07-11

Works: Johann Wilhelm Wilms: Symphony in C minor, Op. 23; Symphony in E flat major, Op. 14; Variations on "Wilhelmus van Nassauwe", for orchestra; Symphony in D major, Op. 52; Symphony no 6 in D minor, Op. ...
Conductors: Halstead, Anthony
Ensemble: Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra

Johann Wilhelm Wilms (1772-1847) was the most important composer in the Amsterdam music during the first half of the 19th century, occupying a place similar...continue...

Brahms: Clarinet Quintet; Bernstein: West Side Story

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2006-05-09

Works: Johannes Brahms: Quintet for Clarinet and Strings in B minor, Op. 115; Leonard Bernstein: West Side Story
Performers: Decroos, Jean; Hakii, Ken; Kracht, Johan; Pieterson, George; Zweden, Jaap van
Conductors:
Ensemble: Amsterdam Saxophone Quartet

After a successful 16-year career as leader of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, violinist Jaap van Zweden has already conducted two main Dutch orchestras and will be...continue...

Schubert: Die Winterreise / Klaus Mertens, Tini Mathot

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2006-04-11

Works: Franz Schubert: Winterreise, D 911/Op. 89
Performers: Mathot, Tini; Mertens, Klaus

Schubert's 24-song cycle 'Winterreise' is a setting of melancholy and deeply moving poems by Wilhelm Muller. It is generally considered the summit of the art...continue...

Mirabile Mysterium - Christmas Music through the Ages

1 CD / Challenge Classics / 2005-09-13

Works: Jacobus Handl: Mirabile Mysterium, for 5 voices (Opus musicum); Ab oriente venerunt magi, for 4 voices (Opus musicum); Sebastián Alfonso: Unidos tres reyes, for chorus & ensemble; Anonymous, Fre...
Performers: Coen, Bart [Recorder]; Delpierre, Beatrice; Watillon, Sophie
Conductors: Van Nevel, Paul

This is a compilation of well - and lesser-known Christmas music, interpreted by the award-winning Netherlands Chamber Choir conducted by Paul van Nevel....continue...