Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach with "Classical Escapes," a captivating album set to release on February 16, 2025, under Sony Classical/Sony Music. This exquisite collection spans a generous 2 hours and 17 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of classical piano and orchestral arrangements that showcase Bach's enduring genius and the artistry of contemporary arrangers.
The album features a diverse array of compositions, from Bach's own masterpieces like the "Prelude" from Cello Suite No. 1 and the "Aria" from the Goldberg Variations, to creative variations and arrangements by notable musicians such as Svetoslav Karparov, Julian Riem, and Vivan und Ketan Bhatti. Each track is a testament to the enduring influence of Bach's music, reimagined for modern audiences while preserving the essence of the original works.
Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Ombra mai fu" from "Serse," the serene "Clair de lune" from Debussy's "Suite Bergamasque," and the enchanting "Lakmé: Flower Duet." The album also features variations on themes by other classical greats like Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky, adding a layer of depth and variety to the listening experience.
"Classical Escapes" is not just a compilation of Bach's works but a celebration of his legacy, showcasing how his compositions continue to inspire and influence musicians across generations. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a journey through the timeless beauty of Bach's music, reimagined for the contemporary ear.
(P) 2025 Sony Music Entertainment Germany GmbH
Tracks
Serse, HWV 40, Act I: Ombra mai fu (Arr. for Cello and Piano)George Frideric Handel, Raphaela Gromes, Julian Riem
Du bist wie eine Blume, Op. 25, No. 24 (Arr. for Viola and Piano)Robert Schumann, Nils Mönkemeyer, Nicholas Rimmer
Air Variation (From Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068, Arr. for Piano and Cello by Svetoslav Karparov)Johann Sebastian Bach, Gabriele Bagnati, Raphaela Gromes
Als die alte Mutter mich noch lehrte singen, Op. 55, No. 4 (Arr. for Violin and Orchestra)Antonín Dvořák, Charlie Siem, Munich Radio Orchestra, Paul Goodwin
Vivaldi Variation (Arr. for Piano from Concerto for Strings in G Minor, RV 156 by F. Christl)Antonio Vivaldi, Florian Christl
Die Zauberflöte: Aria Variation (Arr. for Piano from K. 620 by Vivan und Ketan Bhatti)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Olga Scheps
Für Elise Variation (From Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59, Arr. by Svetoslav Karparov)Ludwig van Beethoven, Gabriele Bagnati
Aria Variation (From Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, Arr. for Piano by Svetoslav Karparov)Johann Sebastian Bach, Gabriele Bagnati
Joy (After Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, BWV 147, No. 10 and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Op.125: IV. "Ode to Joy")Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, Raphaela Gromes, Julian Riem
Double Concerto for Violin, Cello, Strings and Continuo in B-Flat Major, RV 547: II. AndanteAntonio Vivaldi, Jan Vogler, Giuliano Carmignola
Mendelssohn Variation (From Violin Concerto, Op.64/ MWV O14, Arr. for Piano by Jan-Peter Klöpfel)Felix Mendelssohn, Gabriele Bagnati
Liebesliederwalzer, Op. 52: No. 6, Ein kleiner hübscher VogelJohannes Brahms, Nils Mönkemeyer, Maximilian Hornung, Nicholas Rimmer
Widmung, Op. 25, No. 1Robert Schumann, Nils Mönkemeyer
Stücke für Klavier, Op. 118: V. Romanze in F Major (Andante)Johannes Brahms, David Theodor Schmidt
Suite Bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de luneClaude Debussy, Charlie Siem, Munich Radio Orchestra, Paul Goodwin
Salut d'amour, Op. 12 (Arr. for Cello and Piano by Julian Riem)Edward Elgar, Raphaela Gromes, Julian Riem
Lied ohne Worte No. 18 in A-Flat Major, Op. 38, No. 6, "Duetto"Felix Mendelssohn, David Theodor Schmidt
Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: II. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Maximilian Hornung, Antonello Manacorda
The Four Seasons - Violin Concerto in F Minor, RV 297, "Winter", Arr. for Violoncello: II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Sol Gabetta, I Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca
An die Nachtigall. Op. 46, No. 4 (Arr. for Viola and Piano)Johannes Brahms, Nils Mönkemeyer, Nicholas Rimmer
Bach: Prelude Piano Variation (After Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007, Arr. for Piano by Tim Allhoff)Johann Sebastian Bach, Louis Philippson
Suleika, Op. 34, No. 4Felix Mendelssohn, Nils Mönkemeyer
Wiegenlied, Op. 49, No. 4 (Arr. for Viola and Piano)Johannes Brahms, Nils Mönkemeyer, Nicholas Rimmer
Canon, P.37 (Arr. for Piano four hands by Martin Stadtfeld)Johann Pachelbel, Martin Stadtfeld, Lilian Akopova
Handel Sarabande Variation (Arr. for Piano from Sarabande, HWV 437)George Frideric Handel, Martin Stadtfeld
Rinaldo, HWV 7: Lascia ch'io pianga (Arr. for Piano)George Frideric Handel, Martin Stadtfeld
Nocturnes, Op. 32: II. Lento (Arr. for Cello & Piano by Julian Riem)Frédéric Chopin, Olga Scheps, Raphaela Gromes
Mozart Lacrimosa Variation (From Requiem, K. 626, Arr. for Piano and Cello by Svetoslav Karparov)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gabriele Bagnati, Raphaela Gromes
Thaïs, DO 24: Meditation (Arr. for Violin, Cello and Piano by Ehsan Mohagheghi Fard)Jules Massenet, Eldbjørg Hemsing, Raphaela Gromes, Håvard Gimse
Alcina, HWV 34: Verdi prati (Arr. for Cello & Harpsichord by Julian Riem)George Frideric Handel, Raphaela Gromes, Julian Riem
Myrthen, Op. 25: I. Widmung (Arr. for Cello & Piano)Robert Schumann, Raphaela Gromes, Julian Riem
Tannhäuser, WWV 70: Lied an den Abendstern (Arr. for Cello and Piano)Richard Wagner, Raphaela Gromes, Julian Riem
Rêverie au bord de la mer, WoOJacques Offenbach, Raphaela Gromes, Julian Riem
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 Variation (After Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 23, Arr. for Piano by Jan-Peter Klöpfel)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Louis Philippson
Air Piano Variation (From Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068, Arr. for Piano by Svetoslav Karparov)Johann Sebastian Bach, Gabriele Bagnati
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F Major, BWV 1046: II. AdagioJohann Sebastian Bach, Berliner Barock Solisten, Reinhard Goebel
Wiegala (Arr. for Violin and String Quintet by Esther Abrami)Ilse Weber, Esther Abrami, Esther Abrami Ensemble
Mozart Symphony 40 Variation (From Symphony No. 40, K. 550, Arr. for Piano by Svetoslav Karparov)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gabriele Bagnati
Liszt: Liebestraum Variation (After Liebesträume, S.541, No. 3, Arr. for Piano by E. M. Fard)Franz Liszt, Louis Philippson
Moonlight Sonata Variation (From Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27, Arr. by Svetoslav Karparov)Ludwig van Beethoven, Gabriele Bagnati
Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier, BWV 469 (Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Jan-Peter Klöpfel)Johann Sebastian Bach, Eldbjørg Hemsing, Norwegian String Quintet, Tim Allhoff
Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär, Op. 43, No. 1 (Arr. for Viola, Cello and Piano)Robert Schumann, Nils Mönkemeyer, Nicholas Rimmer, Hannah Weber
Klänge, Op. 66/1Johannes Brahms, Nils Mönkemeyer
Wie bist du meine Königin, Op. 32/9Johannes Brahms, Nils Mönkemeyer
Wie Melodien zieht es mir, Op. 105/1Johannes Brahms, Nils Mönkemeyer
Lakmé: Flower Duet (Arr. for Violin and Strings by Vivan & Ketan Bhatti)Léo Delibes, Esther Abrami
Mein schöner Stern, Op. 101 / 4Robert Schumann, Nils Mönkemeyer
Ave Maria Variation (From Méditation sur le Premier Prélude de Piano de Bach, CG 89, Arr. for Piano and Violin by Svetoslav Karparov)Johann Sebastian Bach, Charles Gounod, Gabriele Bagnati, Esther Abrami
Beethoven Variation (After String Quartet No. 13, Op. 130: II)Ludwig van Beethoven, Florian Christl
Serse, HWV 40: Ombra mai fu (Arr. for Piano)George Frideric Handel, Martin Stadtfeld