An album released on the 7th of November 2025 by Harmonia Mundi Publishing House: works by Enescu and Britten, performed by Ensemble Resonanz and violist Tabea Zimmermann.

Of course, first of all we will listen to Enescu, more precisely the Octet op. 7, in a version for string orchestra. And first of all we will admire the music: the score of a 19 year old adolescent the work was completed in the year 1900 in which we find the greatness, light, inspiration, and beauty that only a true genius could bring to the surface, especially at that age. A work perfectly integrated into the universal language of the time in which it was written, the art nouveau world of early 20th century Paris.

And what delights me very much is an inspiring interpretation that emphasizes the build up toward a truly big final, one that simply captivates you and lifts you up, toward a world of hope and light.

And of course, it is a plus that Ensemble Resonanz, a German chamber orchestra in residence at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, chose to record this octet by George Enescu. Ensemble Resonanz, which has a history of over 30 years, approaches both the standard chamber orchestra repertoire and new music, it is familiar with challenges including that of performing Enescu's Octet, a work that is difficult for musicians which is why it had its premiere only 9 years after its end in 1909.

It is true that in last years, the music of George Enescu and I would even say this Octet in particular appears regularly on various recordings though mostly in its original form, as an octet. The version for string orchestra is less frequently approached, and what you will hear next combines the clarity of the octet version and the chamberlike approach with the brilliance of sound that comes from a full string section.

On the same album: Lachrymae by Benjamin Britten, a work in the 1976 version for viola and orchestra, a set of variations on a theme by John Dowland. Benjamin Britten himself studied the viola, and this work shows his deep understanding of this instrument, whose dark timbre suits the atmosphere of the piece, which is in evident contrast to the brightness of Enescu's Octet. Some commentators have even noted that it seems Britten is philosophizing about his own death in this work orchestrated in February 1976; he passed away on 4 December 1976.

Violist Tabea Zimmermann is known for her involved and deeply lyrical manner of interpretation: this is what we will hear in her version of Benjamin Britten's Lachrymae, recorded together with Ensemble Resonanz.