Brahms / Levingston Prelude To Dawn CD

Bruce Levingston's exquisite new release, Prelude to Dawn, features the interwoven, haunting works of J. S. Bach, Brahms and Rihm. In Levingston's hands, this timeless music exudes solace, joy and the possibilities of renewed life. "During the surreal existence of this past year, I found myself drawn closer than ever to Bach. His music brought much solace and peace. Bach has long been an inspiration to musicians, especially Brahms and Rihm. These three German masters represent a thoughtful dialogue that has spanned four centuries. Their intimate musical landscapes resonate with this pensive, solitary time. Some works, like Brahms' wistful chorale prelude, "Herzlich tut mich verlangen" (Op. 122, No. 10), reflect the delicate twilight between life and death. Others, like the glorious Chaconne and joyous Prelude, Fugue and Allegro deny defeat. Perhaps the most timely work is Bach's "Wachet auf" (Sleepers, Awake). It's memorable chorale, written during the Plague in Germany, was composed by a pastor to comfort his fearful congregation. In Bach's hands, it's noble spirit and soaring themes herald a celebration of life. Together, these pieces recall the shadows and fragility of our world, but also the possibility for it's regeneration - and a new dawn." (Bruce Levingston)

1. 1.áááViolin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004: V. Chaconne (arr. J. Brahms for piano) 2. 6 Preludes (excerpts) 3. 2.áááNo. 1: Sehr bewegt 4. 3.áááNo. 2: Langsam und ausdrucksvoll 5. Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E Flat-Major, BWV 998 6. 4.áááPrelude 7. 5.áááFugue 8. 6.áááAllegro 9. 7.ááá6 Sch?bler Chorales, BWV 645-650: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 (arr. F. Busoni for piano) 10. 8.ááá11 Chorale Preludes, Op. 122: No. 10. Herzlich tut mich verlangen (arr. F. Busoni for piano) 11. 9.áááTheme and Variations in D Minor (piano version of String Sextet No. 1, Op. 18: II. Andante ma moderato)