Metamorphosen Berlin - Inspiration: Dvořák - Suk - Herbert (2015) [Official Digital Download]

The debut album of the string ensemble 'Metamorphoses Berlin' under the baton of its leader Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt follows the basic idea of 'inspiration' - in this instance, inspiration as the explicitly mutual, creative interaction between Antonin Dvořák, Josef Suk, and Victor Herbert.

This triangle of late romantic composers combines more than a stylistic kinship: Dvořák was Suk's mentor and father-in-law at the same time. In this attractive programme of music, one can explore these musical and emotional connections, for example, the similarity between Dvořák and Suk's melodious serenades strings, and indeed, Suk's 'Love Song', which he dedicated to his wife.

Herbert, one of the most famous American composers was a highly esteemed colleague Dvorák. Originally written for the piano, Herbert's Character Pieces for Strings, contain a wealth of melody, which the light heartedness of Dvořák and Suk's 'Abdenmusik' complement perfectly. The dreamy, inspirational music of these x3 composers is perfectly encapsulated by Metamorphoses Berlin's performance.

Tracklist:

Josef Suk (1874–1935)

01. Serenade for Strings in E-Flat Major, Op. 6: I. Allegro con moto
02. Serenade for Strings in E-Flat Major, Op. 6: II. Allegro ma non troppo e grazioso
03. Serenade for Strings in E-Flat Major, Op. 6: III. Adagio
04. Serenade for Strings in E-Flat Major, Op. 6: IV. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo presto
05. Love Song, Op. 7, No. 1

Victor Herbert (1859–1924)

06. Yesterthoughts, Op. 37
07. Puchinello, Op. 38
08. Ghazel

Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904)

09. Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22: I. Moderato
10. Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22: II. Tempo di valse
11. Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22: III. Scherzo. Vivace
12. Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22: IV. Larghetto
13. Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22: V. Finale. Allegro vivace

Personnel:
Metamorphosen Berlin
Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, conductor, cello
Indira Koch, concert master