VA - Veress String Trio / Bartók Piano Quintet (2019) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

The Lockenhaus International Chamber Music Festival is regarded as one of Austria’s most prestigious festivals: it was created by the violinist Gidon Kremer to offer a new vision of chamber music and the opportunity to create musical exchanges in an intimate setting. The cellist Nicolas Altstaedt succeeded Gidon Kremer in 2012 and now continues the spirit of the festival. For this first recording in partnership with Lockenhaus, he is joined by experienced partners, including the Norwegian violinist Vilde Frang, the Hungarian violinist Barnabás Kelemen, the German pianist Alexander Lonquich – whose Schubert double album was recently released on Alpha (Alpha 433) – and the British violist Lawrence Power. Together they have selected two works, the Piano Quintet of Béla Bartók, a demanding composition, rarely performed even though it is considered an intensely personal work, and the String Trio of Sándor Veress, a former student of Bartók. Nicolas Altstaedt has joined Alpha for several recording projects that will illustrate the full range of his talents, in a highly eclectic range of music.

"Once again, the music is presented in exemplary performances which should prove attractive even to non-specialists." (MusicWeb International)

Tracklist:
1. String Trio: I. Andante 10:39
2. String Trio: II. Allegro molto 08:50
3. Piano Quintet in C Major, SZ.23: I. Andante 12:17
4. Piano Quintet in C Major, SZ.23: II. Vivace. Scherzando 09:35
5. Piano Quintet in C Major, SZ.23: III. Adagio 12:00
6. Piano Quintet in C Major, SZ.23: IV. Poco a poco più vivace 08:17

Personnel:
Vilde Frang, violin
Barnabás Kelemen, violin
Lawrence Power, viola
Nicolas Altstaedt, cello
Alexander Lonquich, piano