July 9, 2024

Dalia Stasevska and Joshua Bell Announce Pentatone Release 'Thomas de Hartmann Rediscovered' with All-Star Cast, Out August 2024

Pentatone announces the release of two important works by Ukrainian composer Thomas de Hartmann, featuring his Violin Concerto (with Joshua Bell as soloist and Dalia Stasevska conducting the INSO-Lviv Symphony Orchestra) and his Cello Concerto (with Matt Haimovitz as soloist and Dennis Russell Davies conducting the MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra).

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.

“… 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…”  (Joshua Bell)

“… When a country is fighting for its freedom, preserving and protecting the arts and culture that have defined its identity becomes vital. I feel privileged to be celebrating one of Ukraine’s greatest composers with the incredible musicians of the INSO-Lviv Orchestra and the unmatched artistry of Joshua Bell. As the war rages on, we continue to keep Ukraine in our hearts…”  (Dalia Stasevska)

“… Throughout his Cello Concerto, de Hartmann’s expansive melodies, progressive form, rich chromatic harmonies, and the virtuosic cello in colorful dialogue with the orchestra, transcend the stifling oppression of the 1930’s… De Hartmann embraces the power of humanity to endure.”  (Matt Haimovitz)

TRACK LIST

Thomas de Hartmann (1884-1956)
Violin Concerto, Op. 66 (1943)

1 I. Largo - Allegro
2 II. Andante
3 III. Menuet fantasque (Tempo do Minuetto)
4 IV. Finale. Vivace

Joshua Bell violin
INSO-Lviv Symphony Orchestra
Dalia Stasevska conductor

Cello Concerto, Op. 57 (1935)

5 I. Allegro con brio
6 II. Andante. Solenne
7 III. Finale. Allegro ma non troppo

Matt Haimovitz cello
MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra
Dennis Russell Davies conductor


PHYSICAL RELEASE DATE
August 2024
(July 2024 on pentatonemusic.com)

DIGITAL RELEASE DATE
16 August 2024

For more information, see HERE and HERE