Sonata No.1
Suite in an Olden Style
Suite in an Olden Style
Musica Nostalgica
Elschenbroich - Shards of Alfred Schnittke

‘Whilst the works on this recording are formally very contrasting - neo-baroque stylisations vs. atonal modernism – it is the sentiment of Nostalgia that binds them all together. In the Russian sense of the word, compared to its use in English, Nostalgia is a feeling more painful, more severe, regarded with respectful fear. A dangerous disease, a tragic psychological endemic’ writes Leonard Elschenbroich who has had since his early years as a musician and performer a deep interest in both the man and music of Alfred Schnittke – arguably the greatest Russian composer after Shostakovich. For those wanting to explore the chamber music of this 20th century master this CD is the perfect place to start. The disc ends with a highly personal musical memory of Schnittke by Elschenbroich as both composer and performer.