This album features two Shostakovich string quartets, newly arranged for string orchestra by double bass player Marijn van Prooijen, who wrote a new bass part for each.
Critical Reception
Amsterdam Sinfonietta's previous recording of Walton's Sonata for Strings and Beethoven's String Quartet opus 135 was honored with a 'CD of the Month' review in Gramophone magazine.
Interpretation
Amsterdam Sinfonietta prioritizes a 'chamber music mentality,' with each of its 22 musicians taking on solo responsibilities, leading to dynamic and intense performances.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Shostakovich, a source of inspiration for Amsterdam Sinfonietta for two decades, is considered a genius whose works are central to the ensemble's repertoire.
Performer Biography
Amsterdam Sinfonietta is the only professional string orchestra in the Netherlands and performs globally as one of the few large-scale string ensembles.
Performer Biography
Candida Thompson has been the concertmaster of Amsterdam Sinfonietta since 1995 and its artistic director since 2003, usually leading the ensemble without a conductor.
