“Superb performances of two immediately attractive works make this release a real find. Thomas de Hartmann deserves a permanent place in the repertoire: this may be the recording to do it.”
Thomas de Hartmann Rediscovered, featuring Joshua Bell, INSO-Lviv Symphony Orchestra, Dalia Stasevska, Matt Haimovitz, MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dennis Russell Davies, is Limelight’s Editor’s Choice!
“Hartmann was either posthumously forgotten or exclusively associated with the chants he notated for his ersatz guru. That is, until recently. A Hartmann Project is now underway to rediscover and record original compositions from all periods of his creative life. His orchestral music has previously appeared on other labels, but this Pentatone release marks a step forward in terms of big name musicians. The fact that Hartmann was Ukrainian also gives it a political context.
Each change of mood is beautifully projected by Joshua Bell’s sweet-toned violin. The second movement is a heartfelt theme and variations, while the third movement is a spry minuet and trio, effectively scored for the violin with string pizzicato accompaniment. A frenetic, dancelike finale utilises a traditional melody played at Ukrainian weddings, Kamarinskaya (also the subject of an orchestral scherzo by Glinka). Bell and the orchestra are tremendously exciting here.
Superb performances of two immediately attractive works make this release a real find. Thomas de Hartmann deserves a permanent place in the repertoire: this may be the recording to do it.”
Phillip Scott
Read the full review HERE.
