Andreas Ottensamer, the renowned clarinetist, presents a captivating exploration of Johannes Brahms' musical connection to Hungarian folk music with his album "Brahms: The Hungarian Connection." Released on March 20, 2015, under the Mercury Classics label, this chamber music collection offers a unique blend of classical elegance and vibrant folk influences.
The album opens with Brahms' Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115, a masterful four-movement work that showcases Ottensamer's virtuosic skill and deep emotional expressiveness. The quintet is followed by a delightful arrangement of two waltzes, where Ottensamer's clarinet dances gracefully through the melodies.
The heart of the album lies in the Hungarian-inspired pieces. Ottensamer, along with arranger Stephan Koncz, brings to life the fiery energy and rhythmic drive of Hungarian Dance No. 7 and the iconic "Isteni Csárdás" from Hungarian Dance No. 1. The album also features two pieces from the "Két Tétel" collection, "Búsuló juhász" and "Csűrdöngölő," as well as a set of traditional "Dances from Transylvania," each offering a glimpse into the rich musical heritage of Hungary.
With a total runtime of just over an hour, "Brahms: The Hungarian Connection" is a testament to Andreas Ottensamer's artistic versatility and his ability to breathe new life into both classical and folk traditions. This album is a celebration of Brahms' enduring influence and a thrilling journey through the sounds of Hungary.
Tracks
Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115: I. AllegroJohannes Brahms, Andreas Ottensamer, Leonidas Kavakos, Christoph Koncz, Antoine Tamestit, Stephan Koncz
Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115: II. AdagioJohannes Brahms, Andreas Ottensamer, Leonidas Kavakos, Christoph Koncz, Antoine Tamestit, Stephan Koncz
Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115: III. Andantino - Presto non assai, ma con sentimentoJohannes Brahms, Andreas Ottensamer, Leonidas Kavakos, Christoph Koncz, Antoine Tamestit, Stephan Koncz
Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115: IV. Con motoJohannes Brahms, Andreas Ottensamer, Leonidas Kavakos, Christoph Koncz, Antoine Tamestit, Stephan Koncz
Two Waltzes in A Major, Op. 39, No. 15 & Op. 52, No. 6 (Arr. Stephan Koncz)Johannes Brahms, Andreas Ottensamer, Leonidas Kavakos, Christoph Koncz, Antoine Tamestit, Stephan Koncz, Odon Racz
Hungarian Dance No. 7, WoO 1 (Arr. Stephan Koncz)Johannes Brahms, Ede Reményi, Andreas Ottensamer, Leonidas Kavakos, Christoph Koncz, Antoine Tamestit, Stephan Koncz, Odon Racz, Oszkár Ökrös
Hungarian Dance No. 1 (Isteni Csárdás), WoO 1 (Arr. Stephan Koncz)Miskától Borzó, Johannes Brahms, Andreas Ottensamer, Leonidas Kavakos, Christoph Koncz, Antoine Tamestit, Stephan Koncz, Odon Racz, Oszkár Ökrös
Két Tétel: I. Búsuló juhász (Arr. Stephan Koncz)Leó Weiner, Andreas Ottensamer, Leonidas Kavakos, Christoph Koncz, Antoine Tamestit, Stephan Koncz, Odon Racz, Oszkár Ökrös
Két Tétel: II. Csűrdöngölő (Arr. Stephan Koncz)Leó Weiner, Andreas Ottensamer, Leonidas Kavakos, Christoph Koncz, Antoine Tamestit, Stephan Koncz, Odon Racz, Oszkár Ökrös
Dances from Transylvania (Arr. Stephan Koncz)Traditional, Andreas Ottensamer, Leonidas Kavakos, Christoph Koncz, Antoine Tamestit, Stephan Koncz, Odon Racz, Oszkár Ökrös, Predrag Tomic
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