The All-Star... - Gerhard Schwarz/Prog. 1&2 - Naxos Deutschland

The All-Star Orchestra gives you a front row seat to the world's greatest music, performed by top players chosen from over 30 great American orchestras, and conducted by Gerard Schwarz. The programs feature complete performances of popular masterpieces and world premieres of new works by leading American composers. Filmed in High-Definition with 19 cameras during a once-a-year 'summit' in New York's historic Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center, the All-Star Orchestra celebrates the symphonic experience in the 21st century.

Program 1: "Music For The Theatre"
Igor Stravinsky: Suite from The Firebird
Maurice Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2
Bright Sheng: Black Swan
The legendary impresario Sergei Diaghilev of the Ballet Russes commissioned from Stravinsky and Ravel some of the greatest music for the ballet. His influence stretched from St. Petersburg to Paris to the New York City Ballet founded by Diaghilev's collaborator George Balanchine. Former NYCB Composer in Residence Bright Sheng captures the beauty of the dance in Black Swan, inspired by a Brahms intermezzo.

Program 2: "What Makes A Masterpiece?"
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5
Philip Glass: Harmonium Mountain
This program is an exploration of the creative process, tracing the genesis of Beethoven's iconic symphony and the development of a new york by a modern master. Introductory features demonstrate how short rhytmic and melodic motives evolve into vast symphonic organisms. Interviews will include leading Beethoven scholars and the All-Star musicians.