Birkelund/Host-Madsen - Paul Juon: Trio Miniatruen, Op 18 & Op. 24, Max Bruch: Acht St�cke, Op. 83, Friedrich Wilhelm Voigt: Nocturne, Op. 75

The four �Miniatures� by Swiss composer Paul Juon clearly reveal his Russian childhood. It is melodious music � a variety of character that clearly refer to Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky. Nonetheless, Juon�s inimitable style is immediately audible. Max Bruch was seventy-two when he composed �Eight Pieces� for his son, Max Felix. It is substantial multifaceted oeuvre, intensifying progressively from calm awakening to complex exuberance. The �Eight Pieces� are illuminated by Bruch�s lyricism and are completely uninfluenced by his contemporaries such as Schoenberg, Stravinsky and Bart�k. It is intense and profound music �intimate interaction and expression are balanced by passion, Sturm und Drang, and quiet delicacy. Truly, how a real late-romanticist composed one whole century ago. Friedrich Wilhelm Voight�s �Nocturne� contrasts sharply with the numerous marches he composed as highly-ranked military musician. �Nocturne� is a charming piece, containing elements of both salon music and the operatic stage; it even features a brief recitative. Throughout the movement the voices intertwine in an intimate dialogue, altering between simple melodies and pompous drama.