Russian String Orchestra - SCHNAUBER:DEATH AND WALTZES

Death and Waltzes is a collection of music for string orchestra by German- American composer Tom Schnauber. It is an extension of the composer�s work with the Russian String Orchestra (formerly the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin) after winning their �International Homage to Mozart� Composition Competition in 2006. The nine works featured were written between 1995 and 2014; some specifically for the R.S.O. all linked by themes suggested in the CD�s title. Some are single-movement �in memoriam�-type pieces in fond and sometimes aching memory of other musicians: the vivacious violinist and conductor Henri Temianka; the gifted and underplayed composer Leroy Southers; and Schnauber�s first musical �hero�, J.S. Bach. Another is in memory of the composer�s father, who died during the making of this CD. Among the other works are two dances; mysterious and off-kilter waltzes, reflections of Schnauber�s Alpine heritage and two left feet. Another two are stories told in music whose narratives involve both dancing and dying. They invoke experiences of the composer�s fictional �alter ego�, eminent musicologist Johannes von M�rland.