Orchestral Music of Thomas de Hartmann

“… This is another hugely enjoyable disc of the music of an unaccountably neglected, early twentieth century composer; those who enjoy the piano concertos of Rachmaninov or the symphonies of Prokofiev will derive much pleasure from it and I recommend it highly.”

Editor’s Choice – October 2022

“… These performances leave nothing to be desired. Elan Sicroff, who has recorded a disc of Hartmann’s solo piano music, is authoritative; Singaporean conductor Tian Hui Ng balances his forces well, and the orchestra plunges in with exuberance. Sound quality is top class. Established in 1902, the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra boasts a long, proud history with several famous 20th-century names attached. They made this recording last year. Let us hope their history has not been curtailed prematurely.” *****

“… This recording is worth investigating for the Piano Concerto alone, and I hope more pianists are inspired by Sicroff to take up this odd but rewarding score.”

“… Well recorded with plenty of vivid wind, brass and percussion action and performed by all with palpable gusto, this is an excellent disc …”

“… the Concerto is a riot of diverse influences and allusions … Sicroff shows he has the measure of the score and the technique to cope with its not inconsiderable demands. His account is barnstorming in the best sense; richly coloured and virtuosic. The Lviv National Philharmonic of Ukraine provides fine support for this hidden gem of its culture and is in finer form still for the earliest work here, the delightful Scherzo fantastique, of 1929… Nimbus’ sound is excellent throughout.”