Karl Gustav Vollmoeller’s pantomime Das Mirakel (The Miracle) is arguably his most important stage work, and the score Engelbert Humperdinck provided as accompaniment impresses with its rich, romantic sound and large-scale choral scenes. Nonetheless, the work has remained an unjustly neglected part of Humperdinck’s output. Premiered in London in 1911, it was none other than the great Max Reinhardt who adapted Das Mirakel for film in 1912, staging numerous performances with hundreds of actors, singers and dancers before it eventually reached the Salzburg Festival in 1925. This thoroughly Romantic masterpiece can now be enjoyed in its first complete recording.

This programme presents a fascinating excursion through the flute literature from 1893 to 1957, providing a glimpse into the evolution of the sonatina – music framed by greater brevity and stylistic freedom than that of a sonata. Qualities of a delightful sense of fun and simple effectiveness infuse works by Petr Eben and Pál Járdányi, while the Fox Trot in Alexandre Tansman’s Sonatine carries echoes of the popularity of jazz in 1920s Paris. Composed during his time in America, Dvořák’s renowned Sonatina for violin and piano is heard here in an adaptation by Luisa Sello and Bruno Canino, respectively the flute and piano soloists on this album.

watch video trailer

Max Mutzke is one of the most charismatic voices on the German music scene. Since his breakthrough in 2004 with the Eurovision hit Can’t Wait Until Tonight, he has captivated audiences with his musical versatility and emotional depth. Whether it’s soul, funk, pop or jazz, Mutzke moves effortlessly between genres while staying true to himself. With Soul, Viel, Mehr, he takes his artistry to the next level. Together with the award-winning SWR Big Band, he delivers an album full of energy, emotion and musical sophistication. Lavish arrangements breathe new life into Mutzke’s own songs such as Welt hinter Glas and Marie, while classics by Alicia Keys, Anderson .Paak and Sly & The Family Stone shine in fresh interpretations.