Tchaikovsky rings a Bell

Joshua returns with new CD

"Romance of the Violin", Joshua Bells latest album, was the most succesful Classical album of 2004 in the USA. The collection of famous melodies and well-known classics apparently (and expectedly) struck a chord with a wide audience. All those afraid that this would mark the beginning of Bells commercial phase and a turn to Crossover territory can now breath a sigh of relief: Just after the release of the "Ladies in Lavender"-Soundtrack for new movie featuring Judy Dench, Maggie Smith and German "rookie" Daniel Brühl, to which Joshua contributes the Violin solo, he is back with a recording of Tchaikovskys Violin Concerto. This represents a co-operation with the Berlin Philharmonics headed by Michael Tilson-Thomas. Even though the album will be released on May 23rd in Germany and we have not as yet had the chance to listen to it, Bell already gave a hint as to what to expect. Even though he fully realised that this was an extrovert and pompous work, he stated: "Quite often, one overlooks the tender aspects of it. Really, it's the most tender, elegant and dance-like "Bellwether" I know!" The CD will also feature three further pieces by Tchaikovsky, namely the "Serenade melancholique", the "d-minor Meditation" and the "Danse Russe" from Swan Lake.

Homepage: Joshua Bell
Homepage: Sony BMG Masterworks