JAMES NEWTON HOWARD The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

With original music composed and produced by Howard, the soundtrack builds on iconic themes from Tchaikovsky's classic 1892 ballet score. Howard's thrilling orchestral score captures the magic and intrigue of the film by reimagining the original "Nutcracker" ballet mu^th-century romantic music that I call upon as a film composer is rooted."

sic with a modern twist. "Tchaikovsky was one of the great melody writers of all time," said Howard. "The colors of 'The Nutcracker' ballet score have become a part of the vocabulary of film music. It's where so much of the 19

According to the composer, the score is elegant and emotional. "It's all about the storytelling," he said. "The score is very traditional—a big orchestra score—with lots of woodwinds and strings, plus tinkle bells and celeste and chorale music, including a boys' choir."

Considered one of the most distinguished conductors of our day, Dudamel along with The Philharmonia Orchestra, brought the score to life. "Tchaikovsky's epic score always takes me on a journey," he explained. "Add a little Disney movie-making magic to this and the results are stunning—an instant holiday classic."

Global phenom Lang Lang says his career was launched thanks in part to Tchaikovsky. "His first piano concerto is the piece that made my career," said Lang Lang. "His music is not only exciting, but it's so beautiful and intimate—it gets right into your heart. That's the power of Tchaikovsky's music. But James made it his own. It is an original work of magic—it's spiritual and it sparkles. Audiences will get a new sound experience."

The film end-credit track is the poignant duet "Fall on Me," the new song by global superstar tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli which is also featured on Andrea's new album Si.

James Ehnes JAMES NEWTON HOWARD - AARON JAY KERNIS Violin Concertos BRAMWELL TOVEY Stream of Limelight

This program features the world premiere recordings of three works written for violinist James Ehnes. Familiar to movie fans the world over, James Newton Howard has composed over 120 film scores. Upon being commissioned to write a violin concerto, Howard admitted to feeling, ''thrilled, excited, expectant and ultimately terrified.'' Pulitzer Prize winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis first composed for Ehnes in 2007 and a few years later his Violin Concerto followed. Bramwell Tovey and James Ehnes's musical relationship dates back to 1990, and they have performed together countless times. Stream of Limelight gives James's incredible technique ample opportunity to dazzle, and is a superb finale to this fascinating album of new compositions.