Naxos releases ‘Virtuoso’
‘Virtuoso’ a brand-new album featuring David Childs was released yesterday (4th April) on the Naxos label. The recording showcases classical and contemporary works for euphonium with accompaniments provided by the world class Black Dyke Band and Professor Nicholas Childs. In less than 24 hours since its release the album has already shot to number 1 in the Classical Album’s ‘Hot New Releases’ on Amazon UK.
The concept behind the album is beautifully explained by Naxos: “The euphonium played a key part in the brass band movement of the mid-19th century due to its playability, affordability and ease of mass production. The historical lack of original compositions for euphonium was made up for with a wide variety of transcriptions. ‘Virtuoso’ embraces this heritage in a celebration of the instrument's unique depth and versatility. The renowned virtuoso, David Childs, is united with the legendary Black Dyke Band in a collection of classical and contemporary repertoire that ranges from much-loved traditional songs to dazzling showpieces.”
The album was already gaining significant acclaim in the lead up to the release with Aled Jones featuring Evelyn Glennie’s ‘A Little Prayer’ on his Classic FM weekend show. Commenting on the album Aled Jones stated he was “thrilled to receive” this latest release by David. “We worked together in 2007 and I was really enthralled by his musicianship and the way he makes the instrument sing. He’s also a really great guy and this album is brilliant.” This track is rather special, as it was arranged for David by his father Robert, and it was another Robert Childs arrangement that was featured by Petroc Trelawny on his BBC Radio 3 Classical Music Breakfast show. The presenter showcased Mozart’s ‘Rondo Alla Turca’ describing the track as a “brilliant taster from the ‘Virtuoso’ album featuring a trio of talented Childs family members.”
Commenting on the success of this latest album David commented, “Thanks to all involved in this release, not least, all at Black Dyke Band and Naxos. It was a pleasure to record, and I'm delighted that it's already Amazon UK's No.1 Best Seller for 'Hot New Releases in Classical Albums' (Digital Music)!”
A taster trailer of the 'Virtuoso' album can be viewed here.
Details of how to purchase and stream ‘Virtuoso’, along with the full track listing are here:
Track Listings
1 Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20, No. 1
2 Danny Boy
3 Largo Al Factotum
4 Adagio in F Major, K580a
5 Rondo Alla Turca
6 A Little Prayer
7 Variations Sur Le Carnaval De Venise
8 Hamabe No Uta
9 Facilita
10 Elfriede
11 All Those Endearing Young Charms
12 Macushla
13 Home On the Range
14 Brillante
15 Flight of the Bumblebee
