SKU: HL.49019599

ISBN 9790001191043. UPC: 841886019546. 9.0x12.0x0.187 inches. Eds. Wolfgang Birtel and Ida Bieler.

Karol Szymanowski (1882-1932) is regarded as one of the most important Polish composers since Chopin. He received his formative musical training in Warsaw where he lived for many years and was also director of the Conservatoire and Music Academy. His compositional oeuvre comprises a large variety of styles: Szymanowski first leaned towards Chopin and Scriabin, then studied Richard Strauss and Igor Stravinsky, finally finding a style in which he combined impressionism and expressionism. His 'Mythes' for violin and piano from 1915 fell in a transitional period, turning away from late German Romanticism. They are expressive miniatures full of tonal refinement and impressionist charm and, thanks to their accessible virtuosity, perfect performance pieces. Contents: I. La Fontaine d'Arethuse • II. Narcisse • III. Dryades et Pan.

SKU: IS.VLP4190EM

ISBN 9790365041909.

In 1901, Flor Alpaerts finished his music studies at the Flemish School of Music of Antwerp, which later became the Royal Flemish Conservatory. He studied harmony and composition with Jan Blockx. In 1903 he became professor at this institute and from 1934 until 1941 its director. For one season (1922-1923) he was also director of the Royal Flemish Opera House of Antwerp together with the bass Arthur Steurbaut. His fame, as a composer and a conductor, came shortly after World War I, when he succeeded Eduard Keurvels in 1919 as conductor of the concerts organized by the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp and as artistic director of the Peter Benoit Fonds. He also conducted the choral group Arti Vocali. As a composer, Flor Alpaerts was the leading figure in the Flemish impressionistic movement, utilizing an impressionism that came closer to Richard Strauss and Ottorino Respighi than to Claude Debussy. A highlight in this direction was the symphonic poem Pallieter (1921-1924). With his suite James Ensor, inspired by four works of the Ostend painter, he created an expressionistic work. In his later compositions he turned to neo-classicism.

SKU: PR.114419270

ISBN 9781491134535. UPC: 680160685011.

Throughout its three movements, this 14-minute trio is a multi-colored gem of visceral lyricism, full of dark beauty and mystical impressionism, which gradually grows into fire. The melodic influence and passion of Didorenko’s Ukrainian heritage are among the ingredients of this enticing concert work. A live performance of UKRAINIAN TRIO featuring the composer on violin may be heard via YouTube.