Rózsa: Sinfonia concertante, Op. 29, Cello Rhapsody, Op. 3 & Notturno ungherese, Op. 28

Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative soundscapes of Miklós Rózsa with this captivating album, featuring three of his most celebrated works. The centerpiece is the Sinfonia Concertante, Op. 29, a three-movement masterpiece that showcases Rózsa's mastery of orchestration and his unique voice. The work begins with a hauntingly beautiful Adagio, followed by a set of variations that highlight the composer's intricate thematic development, and culminates in a thrilling Allegro con brio.

Complementing the Sinfonia Concertante are two other significant works: the Notturno Ungherese, Op. 28, a nostalgic night piece that harkens back to Rózsa's Hungarian roots, and the Cello Rhapsody, Op. 3, a work in which the young composer found his true style. This latter piece is brought to life by the virtuosic Harriet Krijgh, who is joined by the Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz under the baton of Nikita Boriso-Glebsky.

Recorded in 2025, this album offers a compelling introduction to Rózsa's music, demonstrating his ability to blend classical forms with folk influences and his penchant for creating memorable, evocative melodies. Whether you're a longtime fan of Rózsa's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Miklós Rózsa, a Hungarian-American composer, is celebrated for his prolific and influential career in both film and classical music. Born in Budapest, Rózsa's journey took him through Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and ultimately to the United States, where he spent the majority of his professional life. His extensive filmography includes nearly one hundred scores, with standout works for iconic films such as "The Thief of Baghdad," "Ben-Hur," and "Spellbound." Rózsa's score for "Ben-Hur" remains one of the longest and most celebrated in cinematic history. Despite his immense success in film, Rózsa remained deeply committed to concert music, composing several concertos and maintaining what he referred to as his "double life." His ability to seamlessly blend his classical training with the demands of film scoring has left an indelible mark on both industries, earning him three Academy Awards and a lasting legacy as one of the most gifted composers of his generation.