Bruch: Scottish Fantasy / Joshua Bell

Joshua Bell, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

Romantic composer Max Bruch s two masterpieces have inspired Scottish Fantasy, the new album from Grammy Award®-winning violinist Joshua Bell. Bell performs and directs the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in his first-ever recording of the virtuosic Scottish Fantasy and offers a fresh take on Bruch s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26 the first concerto Bell recorded thirty years ago with the Academy conducted then by Sir Neville Marriner. The Scottish Fantasy has become a great favorite of Bell s in the last decade. Bruch s unique fantasia bristles with the snap and lilt of Scottish folksongs, and has been a favorite of violin virtuosos since its premiere. Though Scottish Fantasy is a newer addition to Bell s repertoire, his affection for the piece runs deep. Bell calls Bruch s Violin Concerto #1 the most seductive of violin concertos, saying It s a piece that audiences go crazy over because it s so rich and lush, and it s easy to grasp. It s got excitement, power and passion. About Joshua Bell With a career spanning more than 30 years as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and conductor, Joshua Bell is one of the most celebrated violinists today. Bell has recorded more than 40 albums garnering Grammy, Mercury and Gramophone awards. Named the Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in 2011, he is the only person to hold this post since 1958 when Sir Neville Marriner formed the orchestra. About The Academy of St Martin in the Fields The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is one of the world s finest chamber orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world s greatest orchestral music. Formed in 1958 from a group of leading London musicians, the Academy gave its first performance in its namesake church in November 1959. Today the Academy, led by Joshua Bell, retains the collegiate spirit and flexibility of the original small, conductor-less ensemble which has become an Academy hallmark. TRACKLIST: Scottish Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 46 1 I. Introduction: Grave, Adagio cantabile 2 II. Scherzo: Allegro 3 III. Andante sostenuto 4 IV. Finale: Allegro guerriero Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26 5 I. Vorspiel: Allegro moderato 6 II. Adagio 7 III. Finale: Allegro energico

Price: $19.98