Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical music with Seiji Ozawa's "Memories," a meticulously curated collection of orchestral masterpieces set to release on February 21, 2024, under the UME - Global Clearing House label. This album is a testament to Seiji Ozawa's unparalleled conducting prowess, featuring a diverse array of compositions that span centuries and styles, all united by their profound emotional resonance and technical brilliance.
The album opens with Mozart's Divertimento for Strings in D Major, K. 136, setting a tone of refined sophistication. It seamlessly transitions through Tchaikovsky's poignant Serenade for Strings, Op. 48, and Beethoven's iconic Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92, presented here in a captivating live performance. The eclectic tracklist also includes Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting Shéhérazade, Bartók's dynamic Concerto for Orchestra, and Mahler's deeply moving Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection."
Ozawa's interpretation of these works is nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to draw out the nuances and depths of each piece is evident in every note, making this album a true celebration of classical music's enduring power. The inclusion of solo and choral pieces, such as Bach's transcendent Chaconne from Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 and the hauntingly beautiful "Erbarme dich" from the St. Matthew Passion, further enriches the listening experience.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes, "Memories" offers a comprehensive journey through the orchestral repertoire, showcasing Ozawa's versatility and the orchestra's virtuosity. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises to captivate and inspire, making it a valuable addition to any music collection.
Divertimento for Strings in D Major, K. 136: I. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Mito Chamber Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Serenade for Strings, Op. 48: I. Pezzo in forma di sonatina. Andante non troppo – Allegro moderatoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. Allegretto - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Shéhérazade, M.41: 2. La flûte enchantéeMaurice Ravel, Susan Graham, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: 2. Giuoco della coppie. Allegretto scherzandoBéla Bartók, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": II. Andante moderatoGustav Mahler, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 4: IV. Wir geniessen die Himmlischen Freuden. Sehr behaglichGustav Mahler, Kiri Te Kanawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 5: IV. Adagietto. Sehr langsamGustav Mahler, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
St Matthew Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 39, Aria (Alto). Erbarme dichJohann Sebastian Bach, Nathalie Stutzmann, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 - Transcription: Hideo Saito: ChaconneJohann Sebastian Bach, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Lohengrin: Prelude to Act IRichard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Seiji Ozawa
Carmina Burana: XXI. in trutinaCarl Orff, Edita Gruberova, Berliner Philharmoniker, Seiji Ozawa
Scheherazade, Op. 35: The Young Prince and the Young PrincessNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Rainer Honeck, Wiener Philharmoniker, Seiji Ozawa