The deserving Dutch label Challenge Classics has ensured that the Hartmann discography has been enriched by some significant contributions.
A new complete recording of Hartmann’s eight symphonies with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic was released in early 2014. These are live recordings under the direction of conductors Ingo Metzmacher, Christoph Poppen, Michael Schönwandt, Markus Stenz, Osmo Vänskä and James Gaffigan – on three SACDs. The FONO FORUM spoke of a “new reference” in view of the consistently outstanding artistic and tonal quality of the recordings.
A new recording of Hartmann’s opera “Simplicius Simplicissimus” (in the revised version of 1957) was also made with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic. The title role is sung by Juliane Banse, Markus Stenz stands at the podium of the orchestra. This recording is based on a live performance on November 24, 2012 at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam.
Finally, violinist Linus Roth presents his interpretation of the “Concerto funebre” on Challenge Classics – coupled with works by Mieczyslaw Weinberg as well as the first recording of an unfinished violin sonata by Dmitri Shostakovich.