Fumito Nunoya / Kurpfälzisches Kammerorchester / Johannes Schlaefli CONCERTOS ON MARIMBA

Fumito Nunoya is considered the custodian of the marimba. In the preface to this album, the Japanese musician explains why the marimba is still not a main instrument in the classical music scene. But with an exciting programme ranging from the Baroque to Modernism, he impressively proves the opposite, at least for the inclined listener of this recording. Marimbist Fumito Nunoya is gaining international recognition as one of today’s leading marimbists. Born in Odate, Japan, he currently lives in Kreis Herford, Germany. He has taught marimba at the Hochschule fur Musik Detmold in Germany since 2009. In addition to performances in Germany and around Europe, he regularly travels to perform in Japan and the United States.

This gloriously played disc explores the marimba in various guises, from nimble Baroque stick-work in a transcription of Vivaldi to Nobunaga’s atmospheric concerto. — BBC Music Magazine

Ensemble Schmuck FROM CLASSICAL TO TANGO

Since its founding in 2009, Ensemble Schmuck has been praised by audiences and the press for its charismatic performances. The ensemble appears in around 50 concerts across Germany every year, presenting attractive programmes in a way that is both original and skillful. The intriguing range of genres, from Classical and Romantic works through gripping tango arrangements to staged concert formats with drama, appeals to listeners of all generations, thanks in no small part to the adaptability of the trio’s formation, with three members able to switch effortlessly between violin and viola. Ensemble Schmuck is centered around clarinetist Sayaka Schmuck, who has gathered together a number of outstanding young artists in pursuit of the great passion they all share: chamber music. In the process, each musician contributes experiences, energy and ideas from his or her own musical practice, thus giving manifold impetus to the ensemble’s work in rehearsals and concerts and instilling color and flexibility into its performances.