Arvid Engegard and Knut Erik Sundquist are two seasoned veterans in the world of Norwegian classical music. Their new release on the LAWO Classics label, Duo Brilliante, is a tribute to the Italian double bass virtuoso Giovanni Bottesini and his remarkable work, Gran Duo Concertante. The two soloists have teamed up with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and present the listeners with works of Wienawski, Svendsen, and Borgstrom, in addition to the music of Bottesini. In their own words:

“Ever since first performing Bottesini’s Gran Duo Concertante in Bodin Church in Bodo, we have dreamed of recording this crazy, yet brilliant work. And, when presented with the chance to use the Norwegian Radio Orchestra (KORK), Norway’s most convivial orchestra, with our long-time hero and good friend, Terje Boye Hansen, as conductor, it was an opportunity too good to pass up.

This recording was made in the main studio of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) over the course of a fantastic week in the autumn of 2013, and it is flavoured with some of our favourite works. Knut Erik plays Bottesini’s Grand Allegro “Alla Mendelssohn”, and Arvid offers his renditions of three gems for violin and orchstra: the violin romances of Johan Svendsen and Hjalmar Borgstrom, together with Henryk Wieniawski’s Polonaise Brillante.”

Arvid Engegard is artistic director for the Lofoten International Chamber Music Festival and as violinist and chamber musician a welcome guest at prestigious European festivals. He also has a distinguished career as conductor with orchestras in Norway and abroad.

Knut Erik Sundquist is one of the leading double bassists of our time, with an international career as soloist and chamber musician. He is often invited to perform at festivals abroad, as well as at Norwegian chamber music festivals.

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Recorded In Nrk Radio Concert Hall, Oslo, 22-25 October 2013 / SACD Surround 5.0