Bausznern: Chamber Music - Octet, Elegie, Serenade

Bausznern, Waldemar von, Berolina Ensemble

MDG 948 1826-6

Bausznern grew up in the then Hungarian Transylvania, and he dedicates an opulent octet to his homeland in an unusual instrumentation: flute and clarinet are joined by three violins, cello, bass and piano. It is not by chance that the instruments remind of a gypsy band, and of course the fiery Csardas should not be missing. However, the work is opened by a large passacaglia describing the vastness and emptiness of the puszta. A sedate Viennese Ländler and a mourning song reminiscent of Liszt follow, before a large-scale variation movement wistfully concludes the extensive work. • Bausznerns Serenade for clarinet, violin and piano is more oriented towards Brahms. No wonder, since this piece is also dedicated to the phenomenal clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld, from whom Brahms was inspired to write his last chamber music works. Wonderful the cantilenas in the third movement, which let the clarinet and violin shine in the best light! A cheerful final of the sweep releases the audience, entertained in the best way possible • The elegy for violin and piano is of great expressive intensity: a never-ending arc of tension develops from a single melodic motif. Great thanks are due to the Berolina Ensemble, who also saved this work, which was one of Bausznerns most frequently performed compositions during his lifetime, from oblivion. Naturally produced in the finest 2+2+2 technology, this SACD is a recommendation for all friends of the special; just a real discovery

SACD x 1

MDG

12/4/13

760623182667