Britten/ Bruch/ Leong - Violin ConcertosOn his second album for Alpha Classics, rising star violinist Kerson Leong juxtaposes the Violin Concertos of Bruch and Benjamin Britten. This unusual pairing is a reflection on the journey from one extreme of expression to another. Bruch's In Memoriam is the perfect bridge between them. "The Britten expresses a raw and exposed experience, while the Bruch is comforting and uplifting. After the last few years in which the world has experienced much

it will offer an opportunity to compare and reflect

In his ongoing quest to define the era these compilations cover

this is ultimately a clash of skill

The festive series of concerts to celebrate the inauguration of Andris Nelsons and the 275th anniversary of the Gewandhausorchester concluded with a riveting performance of two of music history's great symphonic works

he participated in numerous master classes for organ and improvisation

with copiously illustrated track notes on the inner sleeves

Over a career spanning more than half a century Etta 'Peaches' James has become a true blues icon

Says Hans-Christoph Rademann about one of the monumental sacred works of music history

he recorded for Bluebird and had his first hit in 1941

with a guest appearance from reggae legend Derrick Harriott and Senegalese musician Abdoulaye Badiane

Laurence Hobgood

Alfred Hitchcock's classic 1960 movie starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh