Thomas De Hartmann Rediscovered

This album brings the glowing, cinematic Violin and Cello Concertos of Ukrainian composer Thomas de Hartmann, an important compositional voice in his own time, back into the limelight. Using an international all-star cast, the recording not only aims to re-establish de Hartmann’s oeuvre, but also to bring musicians together in times of war.

The Violin Concerto was recorded in Warsaw with Joshua Bell as soloist and Dalia Stasevska conducting the INSO-Lviv Symphony Orchestra, managing to temporarily leave their besieged country. The Cello Concerto is presented by Matt Haimovitz and the MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Dennis Russell Davies. This album is made possible by the dedication and generous support of the Thomas de Hartmann Project, aimed to reintroduce his colourful and compelling music.

“I received the score for the De Hartmann Violin Concerto several years ago from Efrem Marder who has made it his mission to bring this composer’s music to today’s audiences. As I started exploring the concerto, I was immediately struck by the depth of emotion it conveys, and I was astonished that such a powerful work could have escaped me and most classical music listeners until now. This violin concerto is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, and is as gripping and relevant today as it was when it was composed in 1943.

I have been seeking the appropriate partners to help me bring this masterpiece to life, and I have found them in the Ukrainian based INSO-Lviv Orchestra and Dalia Stasevska, a conductor who has approached the work with the sincerity and gravitas that it deserves. Thanks to this project, I am hopeful that Thomas de Hartmann’s music may touch the hearts of many more people, both in his homeland of Ukraine and around the world.“

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Track List

Violin Concerto, Op. 66 (1943)

1) I. Largo - Allegro13:22

2) II. Andante8:21

3) III. Menuet fantasque (Tempo do Minuetto)2:26

4) IV. Finale. Vivace5:36

Cello Concerto, Op. 57 (1935)

5) I. Allegro con brio20:45

6) II. Andante. Solenne7:50

7) III. Finale. Allegro ma non troppo