The middle of the twentieth century was a period of tremendous conflict and upheaval throughout the world. Composers responded sometimes directly, sometimes more obliquely to the horrors of fascism, war and state-controlled communism – sometimes with intense seriousness, sometimes with unexpected levity and beauty.

In putting together his programme for this eighth in the series of Delphian’s recordings released in collaboration with YCAT (the Young Classical Artists Trust), Jonathan Leibovitz has brought together works by Eastern European and Soviet composers that draw on the folk-music heritage of their native lands while also bearing witness to powerful currents of history.

Leibovitz’s charm and compelling artistry in this, his debut recording, are matched by the contributions of pianist Joseph Havlat and, in two pieces, violinist Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux.

“Leibovitz is a passionate communicator, mastering showy, virtuosic variations with ease and fluency” – Classic Melbourne