Debussy/ Bartha - Preludes & Apresludes

Julia Bartha writes of her new release: "Thorsten Encke has created a wonderful collection of extremely associative and clearly defined character pieces with his Aprèsludes. The multi-layered music fires the imagination and is a rewarding challenge for listeners and pianists alike. I very much enjoyed working on these pieces; they are not only a real pleasure to play, but also take me on a wonderful journey on which I can encounter Debussy. From D'autre part via Ombres-tristesse, Un beau brin de fille, Monsieur Croche-Double Croche and Cloches up to the impetuosity of Bateau-ivre we are repeatedly confronted with extreme opposites. Spontaneity and freedom are juxtaposed by mechanical severity. Individual motifs from Debussy's Préludes flash up. The subtlest pianissimo passages, tender glissandos and bell-like sounds are 'pushed aside' in the next movement by brusque martellato chord clusters, and the consistent utilization of the sostenuto pedal leaves behind vibrant traces of sound. An intensely individual music, which perpetuates Debussy's concept of new tonal aesthetics in our time." First prize-winner of the 'Jugend musiziert' competition, finalist at the Clara-Haskil Competition in Vevey/Switzerland, and prize-winner at the Gian Battista Viotti International Music Competition in Vercelli, Julia Bartha achieved the leap on to major podiums of the German-speaking and wider international world at an early age. She has appeared at numerous festivals, and her unique profile as a concert pianist is highlighted by the refreshingly unconventional ways in which she bridges the gap between different forms of artistic expression.