Natalie Schwaabe & Jan Philip Schulze - Piccolo Works (2017)

This fabulous new album, co-produced with Bavarian Radio, presents top German piccolo virtuoso Natalie Schwaabe in an international program of recent works for ‘the screaming twig’ as the instrument is sometimes known in orchestral circles. No screaming here, though the instrument’s upper stratospheric registers are fully exploited – these works are modern and freely composed but will still be attractive to conservative listeners with elements of traditional tonality and jazz and utilizing the middle and lower ranges of the piccolo which can be ethereal and smooth. The range of pieces is wide, from the somber ‘Lachrymose’ for solo piccolo, to the bright and buzzy sonata by Gyöngyösi, and the new setting of The Pied Piper story by Kanefzky.

Natalie Schwaabe was born in Tokyo, grew up in Hong Kong, studied in London and obtained her degree in Munich where she is now based, playing with the prestigious Bavarian Radio Symphony as well as enjoying a busy solo and chamber music career. Her regular partner Jan Philip Schulze is carving out a fine reputation in the new-music field with recordings for several labels, and is sought after to accompany many top vocalists.

TRACKLIST

01. Piccolo Sonata: Piccolo Sonata: I. Allegro vivace
02. Piccolo Sonata: Piccolo Sonata: II. Largo
03. Piccolo Sonata: Piccolo Sonata: III. Presto
04. Two and a Half Piece: Two and a Half Piece
05. Nidi: I. —
06. Nidi: Nidi: II. —
07. Piccolo Sonata: Piccolo Sonata: I. Lively
08. Piccolo Sonata: Piccolo Sonata: II. Gently
09. Piccolo Sonata: Piccolo Sonata: III. Fiery
10. The Pied Piper of Hamelin: The Pied Piper of Hamelin
11. Huit ilium: Huit ilium
12. Lachrymose: Lachrymose