Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Sergio and Odair Assad

by Sonnenberg / Assad (Salerno)

As a performer of striking intensity with personality to match, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg has been one of classical music's best-known names as well as one of its respected interpreters, with over a decade and a half of crossover success to her credit. On her second album for the label, she teams with long-time Nonesuch artists, Brazilian guitar duo Sergio and Odair Assad. The album features original gypsy tunes collected by Sergio Assad, traced back to their origins in India, Egypt and Romania, and arranged for two guitars and violin. Sought after as collaborators by artists such as Yo-Yo ma and Dawn Upshaw, the Assads are known to aficionados as players of astonishing virtuosity and enormous soul. This first time collaboration results in a crossover disc uncontrived in concept, unmannered in execution and stylish from first note to late.