Milen Haralambov and Jens Wollenschläger: TRUMPET AND ORGAN

E. Bozza, C.Z. Tcherkin, C. Franck, E. Grieg, G.Z. Tcherkin, R. Wagner, P. Mascagni, M. Reger, A. Aruntjunjian

Premiere Recordings!

A Musical Journey Across Europe from the 19th to the 21st Century

Six premiere recordings, including both popular pieces like P. Mascagni's Intermezzo, R. Wagner's Pilgrims' Chorus, and A. Arutjunjan's Trumpet Concerto arranged for trumpet and organ, as well as lesser-known works by G.Z. Tcherkin, are featured on this CD.

Trumpet and organ - while this combination may seem unusual at first, it has been a classic pairing for some time. Original literature for this combination is scarcely available, but there are plenty of pieces that lend themselves beautifully to arrangements for trumpet and organ. However, until now, works from the Baroque period were mostly interpreted on the small, bright-sounding piccolo trumpet. In contrast, Bulgarian trumpeter Milen Haralambov demonstrates on this recording that the large trumpet (in B or C) combines excellently with the organ to create a captivating ensemble. Haralambov has developed a new repertoire and presents works from chamber music, opera, and song. For example, the chorale-like Pilgrims' Chorus from Wagner's "Tannhäuser" receives an impressive interpretation through the timbres of trumpet and organ. In congenial collaboration with organist Jens Wollenschläger, the Bulgarian plays with radiant power and clear tone, yet also with lyrical sensitivity.

This CD features six premiere recordings in this instrumentation.* The recording is rounded off with three pieces for solo organ - two original works and one arrangement.

Milen Haralambov, born in 1972 in Sofia, Bulgaria, studied in Bulgaria and Germany (in Detmold with Prof. M. Sommerhalder and in Freiburg with Prof. A. Plog). Several years as a trumpeter in orchestras, including the SWR Symphony Orchestra, and the award of the European Cultural Award attest to his outstanding abilities. His collaborations with outstanding soloists and conductors, TV and radio appearances have taken him to many countries, where he is now active as a soloist at various festivals and concerts.

Jens Wollenschläger, born in 1976 in the Southern Palatinate, Germany, studied church music and organ in Stuttgart and Hamburg with Prof. Bernhard Haas, Prof. Hans Martin Corrinth, and Prof. Pieter van Dijk. He served as Second Cantor and Organist at Ulm Minster and is currently the full-time Cantor and Organist in Stuttgart. He is also the regular harpsichordist of the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra and the Southwest German Chamber Orchestra Pforzheim. He has maintained regular collaborations with trumpeters Reinhold Friedrich, Milen Haralambov, and Hannes Läubin, as well as other renowned soloists and composers (with premieres) such as N. J. ("Enjott") Schneider, Bob Chilcott, Daniel Roth, among others. Numerous international recordings, radio and television appearances as a soloist and continuo player, his international concert activity, and numerous awards document his work.