August Enna, a Danish composer, had an Italian surname from the town of Enna in Sicily, as his grandfather was a Sicilian soldier and trumpeter in Napoleon's army.
Composition History
August Enna's first opera, 'Heksen' (The Witch), was rewritten after he encountered Wagner's 'The Ring of the Nibelung' and realized his original style was too old-fashioned.
Composer Biography
As a boy, August Enna sold tickets to his own theatrical performances at age 12 and entertained on violin and piano at a hostelry.
Performer Biography
Anna Agafia, the violinist on this album, plays a Giuseppe Guarneri 'del Gesù' violin from 1730-33 named 'The Sphinx'.
Performer Biography
Joachim Gustafsson, the conductor, is also a prominent advocate for contemporary music, having premiered over 200 new works as both a violinist and conductor.
Critical Reception
Despite international success, August Enna struggled for recognition in Denmark due to his non-traditional Danish musical style and unruly personality, with critics calling his music 'chemically devoid of Nordic-ness'.
Performer Biography
The Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra has won two Latin GRAMMY Awards, including 'Best Instrumental Album' in 2008.
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