Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 1
Christopher Alan Schmitz composer
London Symphony Orchestra | Stefan Sanderling conductor
Amy Schwartz Moretti violin
The violin concerto is a challenging setup to write for: it beckons with promises of both might and fragility. Composer Christopher Alan Schmitz is well-versed in both the theoretical and practical aspects of composition: his resulting VIOLIN CONCERTO AND SYMPHONY NO. 1 gets the balance just right.
The tonal language is reminiscent of Bruckner and Mahler, as raw emotion mixes with splendor. The ultimate success of this precarious, heady concoction rests on the shoulders of conductor Stefan Sanderling and particularly, violinist Amy Schwarz Moretti, member of the acclaimed Ehnes Quartet. Stirringly written and performed to perfection, a success it is.
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Track Listing & Credits
# | Title | Composer | Performer | |
---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Violin Concerto: I. Dark | Christopher Alan Schmitz | Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin; London Symphony Orchestra | Stefan Sanderling, conductor | 14:02 |
02 | Violin Concerto: II. Warm (Romanza) | Christopher Alan Schmitz | Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin; London Symphony Orchestra | Stefan Sanderling, conductor | 9:23 |
03 | Violin Concerto: III. Electric | Christopher Alan Schmitz | Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin; London Symphony Orchestra | Stefan Sanderling, conductor | 5:00 |
04 | Symphony No. 1 (Land of the Free): I. Threads of Resilience | Christopher Alan Schmitz | London Symphony Orchestra | Stefan Sanderling, conductor | 3:53 |
05 | Symphony No. 1 (Land of the Free): II. Shadow Empire | Christopher Alan Schmitz | London Symphony Orchestra | Stefan Sanderling, conductor | 10:08 |
06 | Symphony No. 1 (Land of the Free): III. Viral Veil | Christopher Alan Schmitz | London Symphony Orchestra | Stefan Sanderling, conductor | 2:58 |
07 | Symphony No. 1 (Land of the Free): IV. Sins of Inaction | Christopher Alan Schmitz | London Symphony Orchestra | Stefan Sanderling, conductor | 4:21 |
08 | Symphony No. 1 (Land of the Free): V. Whispered Prayers ("Agnus Dei") | Christopher Alan Schmitz | London Symphony Orchestra | Stefan Sanderling, conductor; London Voices | Ben Parry, chorus master | 8:29 |
Recorded September 23 & 26, 2023 at St. Luke’s in London, United Kingdom
Recording Session Producer Steve Moretti
Recording Session Co-Producer Simon Kiln
Recording Session Engineers Neil Hutchinson, Jonathan Stokes (Classic Sound Ltd.)
Mixing Simon Kiln, Steve Moretti
Mastering Simon Kiln
Executive Producer Bob Lord
VP of A&R Brandon MacNeil
A&R Danielle Sullivan
VP of Production Jan Košulič
Audio Director Lucas Paquette
VP, Design & Marketing Brett Picknell
Art Director Ryan Harrison
Design Edward A. Fleming
Publicity Kacie Brown
Digital Marketing Manager Brett Iannucci
Artist Information
Christopher Alan Schmitz
Christopher Alan Schmitz composes solo, chamber, and ensemble music that has been described as “sublimely gorgeous” (Fanfare) and “pensive…hard-driving…and whimsical” (American Record Guide). His compositions have been performed and recorded internationally, featuring a broad range of musicians and styles from the London Symphony Orchestra to the USAF Airmen of Note, in venues ranging from New York City (Carnegie Hall) to Alaska (Denali National Park) and London (St. Luke’s Church). Schmitz’s educational music has appeared in concert programs at all levels of development and his recent solo and chamber works have been performed by artists such as the Cortona Trio, Svyati Duo, Terell Stafford, Amy Schwartz Moretti, and Denson Paul Pollard, among others.
London Symphony Orchestra
Widely acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, The London Symphony Orchestra was named by Gramophone as one of the top five orchestras in the world. A world-leader in recording music for film, television, and events, it was the official orchestra of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games ceremonies, memorably performing Chariots of Fire on stage in the opening ceremony, conducted by Simon Rattle and with Rowan Atkinson.
Stefan Sanderling
Born in East Berlin in 1964, the son of the late legendary conductor Kurt Sanderling, Stefan Sanderling studied musicology at the University of Halle and conducting at the conservatory in Leipzig before leaving East Germany to continue his studies in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California.
Amy Schwartz Moretti
With a distinguished career of broad versatility, violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti is equally accomplished as chamber musician, concertmaster, soloist, and educator. Recognized as a deeply expressive artist, she appears as soloist and chamber music artist at music festivals and concert series internationally. She is a member of the Ehnes Quartet, touring and recording with violinist James Ehnes, violist Che-Yen Chen, and cellist Edward Arron.