WALDEMAR VON BAUSZNERN (1866-1931): Chamber Music, Vol. 2 - Quintet in F for Piano, Violin, Clarinet, Horn and Cello, String Trio in E Minor, 8 Kammergesänge for Soprano, Flute, Clarinet and String Quartet.

Description: When we heard the first volume of this Transylvanian German’s music (02P064 in Feb. 2014), we called attention to his unusual instrumentation and said “there is plenty of graceful, heart-easing music”. Well, here’s another 78-minute helping of therapeutic music; the first movement of the 1898 quintet is like a stay at a spa after a brutal year at the office and there is some gently grotesque humor in the trio of its scherzo and a bit of mock drama in the slow movement which ought to draw a smile. The songs are harmonizations of pre-19th century folk songs and even the minor-key trio sheds any pretense of darkness before the end of its first movement. May I have more, Sir? French, German, Italian-English texts. Maria Bengtsson (soprano), Berolina Ensemble.