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“A newly launched label debuts with the impressive Aronowitz Ensemble. The Elgar Piano Quintet has rarely sounded so cogent as here... superb playing and finely honed recording.”  Gramophone, March 2010

This is the Aronowitz Ensemble’s first CD release, and features two major works of the British ensemble repertoire for which they have a special affinity, and have played many times in concert.  They are coupled with a première recording of a work by Huw Watkins specially commissioned for them by the BBC, and premiered at the BBC Proms in 2008.

Consisting of six strings and piano, the Aronowitz Ensemble enjoy playing a wide repertoire of chamber music, and have collaborated with a wide range of international artists.

As BBC New Generation Artists until 2008, the Aronowitz Ensemble have been heard many times on BBC Radio 3 in live concerts and studio recordings. The ensemble was awarded a Special Ensemble Scholarship by the Borletti-Buitoni Trust in 2009.

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872 - 1958)

Phantasy Quintet  (1912)

for two violins, two violas and cello

1.    I.    Prelude: Lento ma non troppo             4’11

2.    II.   Scherzo: Prestissimo                           4’17

3.    III.  Alla Sarabanda: Lento                          2’48

4.    IV.  Burlesca: Allegro moderato                 4’25

Magnus Johnston, Nadia Wijzenbeek, violins; Jennifer Stumm, Tom Hankey, violas; Guy Johnston, cello

Huw Watkins (b. 1976)

5.     Sad Steps  (2008)                                                    15’20

for two violins, two violas, two cellos and piano 

Nadia Wijzenbeek, Magnus Johnston, violins; Jennifer Stumm, Tom Hankey, violas; Marie Macleod, Guy Johnston, cellos; Tom Poster, piano

Edward Elgar  (1857 - 1934)

Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 84  (1919)

for two violins, viola, cello and piano

6.    I.    Moderato                                           13’40

7.    II.   Adagio                                               11’36

8.    III.  Andante – Allegro                              10’17

Nadia Wijzenbeek, Tom Hankey, violins; Jennifer Stumm, viola; Marie Macleod, cello; Tom Poster, piano

Recorded:                        1-3 May 2009

Venue:                              Potton Hall, Suffolk

Producer:                         John Fraser

Recording & editing:        Paul Segar

Executive producer;         Paul Segar

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