For the Record, Op. 301: Antje Weithaas; violist Amihai Grosz; Arun Ramamurthy Trio

September 27, 2024, 3:00 PM · Welcome to "For the Record," Violinist.com's weekly roundup of new releases of recordings by violinists, violists, cellists and other classical musicians. We hope it helps you keep track of your favorite artists, as well as find some new ones to add to your listening!

Violinist Antje Weithass. Photo by Kaupo Kikkas.

Vasks: Violin Concerto No. 2
Antje Weithaas, violin, director
Camerata Bern

Latvian composer, composition teacher, and double bassist Peteris Vasks wrote his second violin concerto "Vakara gaisma" ("In Evening Light") in 2020, 25 years after his first violin concerto, "Distant Light,". Vasks said he was inspired by birdsong, combined with an aspect of religious faith, as he grew up a pastor’s son. The work further reflects the composer’s real-life upbringing in a small Latvian town - an experience characterized by fear, censorship, and a sense of hopelessness. The concerto is performed by German violinist Antje Weithaas, professor of violin at the Hochschule für Musik "Hanns Eisler." She performs on a 2001 Peter Greiner violin. BELOW: From the album: Vasks: Concerto No. 2 for Violin and String Orchestra "In Evening Light": III. Andante con amore

Viola Works by Walton and Martinu
Amihai Grosz, viola
Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle and Matthias Pintscher conducting

Amihai Grosz, First Principal Violist of the Berliner Philharmoniker, is the featured soloist in this album, with Concerto for Viola and Orchestra by William Walton and Rhapsody-Concerto for viola and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu. "Walton was not very familiar with the instrument, as can be seen by the fact that the piece is anything but easy to play,” Grosz said. "Yet Walton shows a keen sense for the instrument’s character: the piece is filled with lyrical melodies and radiates a sense of melancholy which in my view is wonderfully suited to the viola." Martinu’s Rhapsody-Concerto is seldom played - "That it is no longer often performed is hard for me to understand," says Grosz said. "His music is so original and unusual, eclectic in an appealing way, with neoclassical influences, but also jazz elements. This marks the second album in a series by Berliner Philharmoniker Recordings, celebrating the label's 10th anniversary year by featuring soloists from the orchestra. BELOW: The first-movement "Moderato" from Martinu's Rhapsody-Concerto for Viola and Orchestra:

New Moon
Arun Ramamurthy Trio
Arun Ramamurthy, violin
Sameer Gupta, drums
Damon Banks, bass

"Amavasya," which means "new moon" in Sanskrit, is a time to pay tribute to the ancestors. For violinist/composer Arun Ramamurthy, one of the most influential people in his life has been his maternal grandmother, Aaji. Grandmother Aaji was not a professional musician, but she played the violin and had a deep love for Carnatic music. Back in India she taught groups of children from the town, and when she came to the States she encouraged Arun’s playing and singing, telling Arun’s mother- a Carnatic vocalist herself- to get him started on vocal classes, and subsequently suggesting that Arun should study violin. "New Moon" is the second release from Arun Ramamurthy Trio, which celebrates Carnatic music and jazz as kindred spirits - in the philosophy of awareness amongst musicians, as well as in the love and reverence for the elders. BELOW: Trailer for the album:

If you have a new recording you would like us to consider for inclusion in our "For the Record" feature, please e-mail Editor Laurie Niles. Be sure to include the name of your album, a link to it and a short description of what it includes.

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For the Record, Op. 301: Antje Weithaas; violist Amihai Grosz; Arun Ramamurthy Trio

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