Mahan Esfahani with a new Bach-CD

For his recording of Bach's six partitas, Mahan Esfahani examined various copies and printed editions of the works.

Between 1726 and 1731, Bach published one of the partitas for harpsichord BWV 825-830 in an annual rhythm, which he later compiled as the first part of his four-part collection "Clavier Übung". They present and integrate all the styles from which the composer drew in the middle of his career. Mahan Esfahani's recording of the works will be released on the Hyperion label in early June.

IN CONVERSATION

Philosophy and Emotion: The Conductor Titus Engel

IN CONVERSATION

Ryoko Aoki incorporates into her performances a theatrical culture that, in the past, was largely reserved for male performers.

A new concert hall complex of the Sverdlovsk Philharmonic, home of the Ural Philharmonic Orchestra, will be completed in 2023 with a design by the London office of the late renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

Karsten Witt about the late Hans Zender

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The libretto and score for Johannes Maria Stauds new opera Die Weiden were written in parallel, developed through constant communication.

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From life on the front line to the intimacies of love: Chaya Czernowin’s new opera Heart Chamber presents a huge tonal shift from the subject matter of her last project for the stage.

The chemistry is right: Alejo Pérez about his new position at the Opera Ballet Vlaanderen.

IN CONVERSATION

Lukas Ligeti on artistic influences and his father's legacy.

"Few approach the unknown world of the organ with such patience and intensity,” enthused organist Stephan Heuberger about composer Mark Andre and his work iv15 Himmelfahrt.

In 2019, Wergo released a portrait CD including Anssi Karttunen’s recordings of Hans Werner Henze’s English Love Songs with the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Oliver Knussen.

Voyage of the Philharmonie: Philippe Manoury's Triptych for Orchestra

IN CONVERSATION

In an interview with German music critic Eleonore Büning, Christoph Prégardien muses about empathy and stage fright, talk of a lieder crisis and the sins of concert promoters.

Eclectic and cosmopolitan, from a mediaeval point of view: Anna Maria Friman, Linn
Andrea Fuglseth and Jorunn Lovise Husan perform repertoire from the Codex Las Huelgas.

IN CONVERSATION

François-Frédéric Guy, expert in romantic German repertoire and especially Beethoven's works, describes his experience as an orchestra leader from the piano as a "thrilling tightrope act".

IN CONVERSATION

Peter Rundel talks about opera.

Jerusalem Calling: Steven Sloane on New Journey

“Now” is always different, fluid, says conductor Bas Wiegers in his essay about diversity, change, and the power of live performances.

Remembering Noam Sheriff: Steven Sloane in Conversation with Karsten Witt

NEW CDS

Claire Huangci: In the Studio with Rachmaninov

Toshio Hosokawa's opera Erdbeben. Träume leads on a journey that shows the human capacity for mass violence and both the ferocity and the grace of nature.

An outstanding soloist, chamber musician, pedagogue, artistic director and essayist – and in all these things a musical bridge-builder and partner to musicians, composers and artists from various fields: Anssi Karttunen forges his own path.

Chaya Czernowin talks about her artistic path and her cello concerto.

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In September 2017, Mariam Batsashvili was on concert tour in Mexico. News of the devastating earthquake on 19 September reached the pianist shortly before her first concert in Monterrey.

IN CONVERSATION

No panic – Christoph Prégardien, one of the leading tenors of our time, is still on tour as a soloist. However, considering the success of his St. John and St. Matthew Passions it is no surprise that the singer will increasingly be seen on the conductor’s podium.

Andreas Grau and Götz Schumacher perform classical concert repertoire, prevent works of the 20th century from sinking into oblivion, and continue to prompt composers to write new pieces for orchestra and two pianos: no other piano duo is currently taking to the stage with such a wide repertoire with orchestras.

Johannes Maria Staud talks about his orchestral piece Stromab.

IN CONVERSATION

We talked to Mariam Batsashvili in 2017 – at a particularly exciting time in her career.

IN CONVERSATION

In conversation with Jeffrey Arlo Brown, Mark Andre discussed teachers and companions, his German-French heritage and the aesthetics of fragility.

IN CONVERSATION

Brad Lubman’s official title at the Grafenegg Festival 2017 was “only” Composer-in-Residence. However, at Schloss Grafenegg, the many facets of his musical life were on display.

In 2016, the Bochumer Symphoniker and their long-standing Music Director Steven Sloane celebrated a milestone with the opening of their long-awaited new home, the Anneliese Brost Musikforum Ruhr.

IN CONVERSATION

Ahead of Antje Weithaas' round birthday in 2016, we spoke to her about her multi-faceted career as a soloist, chamber musician and teacher, and why she is always looking for something new.

"Music is simply the most beautiful and fulfilling part of my life", Tabea Zimmermann told us in autumn 2016 on why she is celebrating her 50th birthday with a concert.

In 2016, the GrauSchumacher Piano Duo paid homage to Busoni’s visionary spirit.

IN CONVERSATION

Toshio Hosokawa about his opera Stilles Meer and the 2011 Fukushima catastrophe.

Vanishing notes: Toshio Hosokawa‘s speech at the MozartLabor

Encounters and Reflection: Jens Joneleit in Russia

A drama of salvation: Toshio Hosokawa’s opera Matsukaze

Feedback for conductors: Steven Sloane and the International Conducting Academy Berlin

kwmm consulting: Is Munich in (no) need of a new concert hall? Report for the Bavarian Radio

Hearing Voices – Samir Odeh-Tamimi in conversation

Together with the video artist Lynette Wallworth, organist Bernard Foccroulle takes a glimpse on light and darkness.

NEW CDS

Remixed: The GrauSchumacher Piano Duo presents compositions in a new sound outfit.

Sarah Wegener performs almost every kind of repertoire, from her own lieder recital ideas to large new orchestral works. Looking back at her career, she is amazed how consistently its stations have emerged.

Above the vineyards by Lake Constance, with stunning views of the ‘Swabian Sea’, lies the Glazier House, summer home of Gertrud and Hans Zender. It is here that we meet to talk about the composer’s new work, which is to be premiered just a stone’s throw away from here.

'Music is a human endeavour' – Michael Jarrell and his new work for the Arditti Quartet

François-Frédéric Guy – 'The Beethoven Project'

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IN CONVERSATION

Jeroen Berwaerts explains what connects him to the brass band tradition, what yoga taught him about breath, and why singing became an essential part of his trumpet recitals.

The one with knowledge exists through his knowledge. Samir Odeh-Tamimi's Mansūr

Pic8 Gringolts Quartett CR Tomasz Trzebiatowski

The Gringolts Quartet: Friends for Life

IN CONVERSATION

The GrauSchumacher Piano Duo and composer Stefan Heucke talk about the arrangement of Liszt’s Concerto pathétique for two pianos and orchestra.

Philosophy and Emotion: The Conductor Titus Engel

In 2016, the GrauSchumacher Piano Duo paid homage to Busoni’s visionary spirit.

Vanishing notes: Toshio Hosokawa‘s speech at the MozartLabor

Encounters and Reflection: Jens Joneleit in Russia

A drama of salvation: Toshio Hosokawa’s opera Matsukaze

'Music is a human endeavour' – Michael Jarrell and his new work for the Arditti Quartet

The one with knowledge exists through his knowledge. Samir Odeh-Tamimi's Mansūr

The klezmer clarinettist David Krakauer, portraied by Rachel Kelly

Beauty is a weapon: The Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan and Toshio Hosokawa's music

Dmitry Liss and the UPO: Setting New Standards in the Urals