MSR Classics | What’s New from Newtown?

Recent Releases

Summer 2024 has arrived, and with it some very high temperatures and oppressive humidity. In an effort to combat the usual resulting foul mood and discomfort, let's distract ourselves with some new and refreshing listening material from MSR. From time-honored favorites to exciting discoveries, there's more than plenty here to entertain and enlighten. To paraphrase a beloved slogan: "You're going to like what you hear. We guarantee it." Read on below for brief introductions to What's New from Newtown, all of which is available on CD, and for streaming and download.

Just in the door is the debut solo recording of pianist Ross Salvosa, entitled PHOENIX RISING. The program cosists of Chopin Etudes, Op.3, Guido Agosti's arrangement of three excerpts from Stravinsky's Firebird and three charming but by no means lightweight Filipino miniatures. Salvosa brings the scores to life with spirited, inflected performances. Also brand new is PRISMATIC SOUNDS, a tour-de-force of solo clarinet playing by Jeremy Reynolds. Heard in world premiere recordings of works by five contemporary composers, Reynolds does indeed reveal the full spectrum of music color of which the clarinet (in the right hands) is capable. Another new title, NIGHTSONGS - TRUMPET IMPRESSIONS WITH PIANO AND HARP, shows soloist Max Otto Matzen making his way through attractive repertoire from no less than eight composers. A feast for the ears. Just released is a brand new, state-of-the-art digital remastering of BRAHMS' PIANO CONCERTO NO.2 IN B-FLAT as performed by Joshua Pierce with the Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra under Kirk Trevor in top form. Pierce's handsome, inflected and often bold performance is heard in true digital clarity, but with an unmissable analog warmth. Coupled with the Brahms are attractive works by FRANCK and WEBER, each given an interpretation as convincing as that given the Brahms, again with engaging orchestral support and fine sonics. Right behind Pierce's Brahms is Volume 9, the final installment, of James Brawn's critically acclaimed BEETHOVEN ODYSSEY series of the complete piano sonatas. In this magnificent series wrap, Sonatas Nos.28 and 29 "Hammerklavier" are heard in clear, nuanced and highly individual performances. Brawn is in top form throughout. Also just in is another piano title, DANCES AND DREAMS - PIANO MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD, performed in his solo debut recording by Hanren Zhang. Our gifted young soloist explores music rooted in dance from 13 countries, four continents and two centuries. Each of the composers represented brings a distinct palette that is inspired by indigenous influences, celebrated charismatically at the keyboard by Zhang. Also just in is Volume 1 of PIANO MUSIC OF CHARLES-VALENTIN ALKAN as performed in another MSR debut, this one by Igor Do Amaral. In the repertoire heard here, Amaral brings a light touch, employing plenty of energy when required, and always with the big picture (the arc) in sight. His playing exhibits youthful enthusiam, tempered here and there, perhaps, by a welcome touch of "old soul" tenderness.