Sebastian Bohren / Andrei Pushkarev / GKO PROKOFIEV Sonata Op. 80 for Violin & Orchestra

The version of the sonata for solo violin, string orchestra and percussion goes back to the initiative of Sebastian Bohren. It was created by Andrei Pushkarev, percussionist in Gidon Kremer’s ‘Kremerata Baltica’, an accomplished arranger whose arrangements can be found in the reper- toire of numerous musicians. Pushkarev’s version follows the well-known orchestration of Shostakovich’s Violin Sonata op. 134 in the same instrumentation – albeit with vibraphone instead of xylophone – which he produced together with Michail Zinman in 2005 and which was also recorded by Sebastian Bohren in 2018.

Sebastian Bohren / Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra / Andrew Litton MENDELSSOHN - BRITTEN Violin Concertos

Sebastian Bohren constantly continues on his way – and does it well. He carefully chooses his broad, varied repertoire and masterfully brings it to sound. Whether solo, in a chamber ensemble or with a large orchestra, whether musical rarities or established milestones: his playing arouses the enthusiasm of audiences and critics alike! 

On the new album, Sebastian Bohren now devotes himself to violin concertos by two great composers: one of them is a repertoire piece par excellence, whereas the other, despite the undoubted genius of its creator, is rarely heard. Together with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Andrew Litton, Sebastian Bohren has recorded violin concertos by Felix Mendelssohn and Benjamin Britten; Tchaikovsky’s graceful Sérénade mélancolique completes the program.

Stradivari-Quartett SCHUBERT String Quartet G Major - String Quartet Movements

In its playing the Stradivari Quartet seeks only optimal results. As such, it resembles its namesake in the field of instrument making. Stradivarius may even be said to provide the Quartet’s framework. Its leader plays the Stradivarius “aurea” violin of 1715, while the violoncellist’s instrument, the “Suggia”, dates from 1717. The Quartet’s two other instruments are the “Ex-Wannamaker Hart” violin that was made by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini in 1767 and a viola from Hendrick Willems workshop dating from 1690. 

Just as the sound of these italian and Belgian instruments blends to perfection, so the playing of the four musicians from Switzerland, China, and Poland creates a uniquely harmonious impression.

Sebastian Bohren / CHAARTS Chamber Artists EQUAL

A singular combination of Beethoven's only violin concerto with Schumann's "Fantasy For Violin & Orchestra" Op. 131. The Fantasy was lauded at its premiere but today it is rarely seen on concert programs. In a letter dated June 2nd, 1853 and accompanied by a score of Beethoven's Violin Concerto - the link to our recording -, Joachim requested Schumann to write a Fantasy for the violin. A few months later in September, within a few short days, Schumann had sketched the Fantasy and sent it to Joachim for review. Joachim performed the Fantasy at the Schumann's home on September 28th and premiered it in Düsseldorf on October 27th with the orchestra under the baton of Schumann himself. The following year, on January 21st, Joachim performed the Fantasy again. On the same program, Schumann's wife Clara also performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto in E-flat major. It would be the last time Schumann heard both of them perform.

French composer Jean Françaix (1912-1997) has been an admirer of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's genius. He arranged Mozarts Quintet K. 452 for four woodwind instruments and piano for oboe, horn, clarinet, bassoon and string quintet. This particular version allows all the soloists from CHAARTS, to showcase their individuals skills.

With his sensitive and expressive playing, 27 year old Swiss violinist Sebastian Bohren ranks among the most promising talents of his generation. The musician has given solo performances in the Vienna Konzerthaus, the Munich Residenz, the Tonhalle Zurich and the KKL Lucerne. He has played with orchestras such as the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, Camerata Zürich, Chamber Aartists, Lucerne Chamber Orchestra, and the St. Petersburg State Orchestra. Sebastian Bohren plays a Stradivarius (King George 1710) generously lent to him by the Habisreutinger Foundation.