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The Italian ensemble Duo Gazzana released a new album, which also features two works by Tõnu Kõrvits

The acclaimed chamber ensemble Duo Gazzana released a new album, where Tõnu Kõrvits's two premiere recordings are standing alongside the classics of the Romantic era – Robert Schumann and Edvard Grieg. The album was released on November 18 in the internationally acclaimed ECM New Series. The performances were recorded in the historic Reitstadel Neumarkt last November, produced by Manfred Eicher.

The contemporary part of the album consists of two works by Tõnu Kõrvits: Stalker Suite and  Notturni, both works were also composed to Duo Gazzana. Both works are quite extensive and consist of four parts. Stalker suite (2017) is a musical tribute to the film director Andrei Tarkovsky, Notturni (2014) offers listeners mysterious reflections and nostalgic nighttime moments.

Alongside the works of Kõrvits we find Robert Schumann's violin sonata No. 1 Op. 105 and Edvard Grieg's Sonata No. 3, Op. 45. To interpret Grieg's sonata, the ensemble used the composer's manuscript materials to shed fresh light on established interpretations of the work.


The Gazzana sisters - violinist Natascia and pianist Raffaella - strive to combine inventive contemporary works with classical repertoire. Duo Gazzana has gained attention for its versatility in performing music from different periods, and their stage presence and contact with the audience have also brought them a lot of recognition. For example, the duo was named "Ambassadors of the City of Florence" for their significant contribution to the international relations. The duo's wide repertoire ranges from classical to contemporary music - the duo has a passion for exploring unknown works, often combining musical landscapes that are culturally and historically different. Duo Gazzana is also the first Italian chamber ensemble to record on ECM Records. The ensemble's album, with the work of Poulenc, Walton, Dallapiccola, Silvestrov and Schnittke, was named one of the best albums of the year by the Sunday Times.

More information: ECM Records

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