The music of Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov has become increasingly well represented in catalogues, to which Naxos has been delighted to contribute several albums of his orchestral works. We add to that now with a programme of two pieces that are heard in their world premiere commercial recordings. By turns intimate, eloquent and heartfelt, the Violin Concerto and the Eighth Symphony receive excellent interpretations by conductor Christopher Lyndon-Gee and the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra in this sixth and final volume of their collaboration for Naxos. The violin soloist is Janusz Wawrowski, who featured with the same musicians in a recording of Silvestrov’s Symphony for Violin and Orchestra ‘Widmung’ (8.574413), Gramophone noting that ‘Wawrowski is an eloquent exponent of the many lyrical passages… It’s all strangely beautiful, and, at the same time, disconcertingly haunting.’

Naxos enjoys a long reputation for championing neglected composers such as Heinrich Marschner. His music is virtually unknown in catalogues beyond sporadic inclusion in choral programmes and opera aria recitals, plus occasional recordings of his operatic masterpieces Der Vampyr and Hans Heiling (which were both great successes in their day). Conductor Dario Salvi’s hand in this third volume of our edition of Marschner’s overtures and stage music has been a labour of love, sourcing music from manuscripts scattered across three countries. The results are something rather special, with the programme featuring premiere recordings of extensive extracts from rare and unheard operas, while also evidencing Marschner’s talent for descriptive ballet music. We expect the critics to welcome this release as enthusiastically as they did Vol. 2 (8.574482) when MusicWeb International noted how ‘conductor Dario Salvi is a dab hand at this sort of repertoire and he and his Czech musicians deliver their performances as if they had been performing Marschner’s music all their lives. Their overall achievement is enhanced by the clear and detailed recording.’

This release adds to American composer Alan Hovhaness’ substantial and highly popular discography in the Naxos catalogue. It also marks the 25th anniversary of the passing of this most prolific of composers, and features a number of world premiere recordings. The programme, comprising mostly chamber works featuring solo violin, is topped by the mother-daughter team of violinist Zina Schiff and conductor Avlana Eisenberg in Hovhaness’ Concerto No. 2 for Violin and Strings. Their previous collaboration on an album of music by William Grant Still (8.559867) has become a real hit amongst collectors and critics; that pedigree adds to the attractiveness of this new Hovhaness programme. Zina Schiff is a Heifetz protégée whose international career spans five decades on five continents in recordings ranging from noted film scores to world premieres of works by American composers.

Jeremy Backhouse, one of Britain’s leading choral directors, has been the sole conductor of the internationally renowned chamber choir Vasari Singers since its inception in 1980. After winning the UK’s prestigious Sainsbury’s Choir of the Year competition in 1988, the ensemble has broadcast frequently on BBC Radio and Classic FM, and has built a discography of more than thirty highly acclaimed albums across several labels, including Naxos and the choir's own VasariMedia label. In this latest release, the choir's connection with Ward Swingle and the pioneering Swingle Singers is explored in a variety of arrangements, from traditional folk songs to favourites by The Beatles, delicious harmonies from Stephen Sondheim, and more. As with their previous albums, an excellent critical reception for this release is guaranteed. Reviewing the choir’s album Heaven Full of Stars (8.574179), American Record Guide noted how ‘the whole programme is mesmerising and the performances are exquisite – perfect intonation, blend, expression, musicality, and sheer beauty of choral sound.’

Gottlieb Wallisch brings his acclaimed series of 20th-century foxtrots to a close with this seventh volume and a programme that reveals how composers in England, Scotland, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries responded to the waves of jazz and syncopated dance music that had crossed the Atlantic and captivated European audiences. The album features a number of world premiere recordings of works by both famous and less well-known composers that combine their own unique styles with the authentic, energising rhythms of foxtrots, tangos and shimmies. Previous volumes in the series have consistently attracted highly favourable reviews, not least for ‘Wallisch’s thrilling pianism, his energy and characterisation as well as his wonderful sense of adventure and passion for this repertoire.’ (MusicWeb International on Vol. 6/GP926)

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Set in the Moorish kingdom of Granada in Andalusia in 1480, Zoraida di Granata is a stirring tale of love, betrayal and reconciliation that gave the 24-year-old Donizetti his first major operatic triumph. It marked his establishment as a true musical force with a sure sense of craftsmanship and a flair for the dramatic. The opera’s virtuosic central roles, fine choruses and powerful set-pieces reflect Rossini’s inevitable influence, but are never mere imitation. This world premiere recording is of a performance of the original 1822 edition, not the 1824 revision, in a new staging for a co-production by Fondazione Teatro Donizetti and Wexford Festival Opera. Recorded last year at the Teatro Sociale in Bergamo, Italy, Zoraida di Granata is performed on original instruments by Gli Originali and conducted by Alberto Zanardi.

Also available on Blu-ray Video (DYN-58068)

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Kenneth MacMillan was the leading choreographer of his generation. Renowned for his full-length dramatic works which dug deep into the human psyche, MacMillan’s creativity knew no bounds. His one-act works also reshaped the collective identity of The Royal Ballet, challenging the art form to reflect real-life emotions, passions and human frailty. This mixed programme ranges from abstract ballet to a poignant elegy, the three varied works offering a taster of MacMillan’s endless invention, incorporating orchestral and choral accompaniments respectively by Webern and Schoenberg, Stravinsky, and Fauré. ‘As always, Koen Kessels’ expertise in the pit underpinned the glory of an emotional evening.’ (Bachtrack ★★★★★)

Also available on Blu-ray Video (OABD7325D)

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Here we have a programme of engaging piano works by Angeline Bell that weave together nostalgic reflections of her Malaysian childhood with the rich tapestry of East Asian folk influences. Performed by her former student Katie Yao Morgan, this collection of evocative pieces transports listeners through bustling markets, tranquil landscapes and cherished personal memories. Featuring the exquisite sounds of the Chinese erhu performed by Xiao Wang, this album is a heartfelt fusion of East and West.