TCHAIKOVSKY

At only 25 years of age, Anna El-Khashem is fast establishing herself as one of the most promising sopranos to emerge from her generation, and Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky’s beloved Cradle Song offers an ideal vehicle for El-Khashem to showcase her bright timbre and lyrical qualities. One of Tchaikovsky’s most cherished song creations, this enchanting lullaby merges art song with Volkslied. El-Khashem, who is of Lebanese and Russian heritage, aptly strikes this delicate balance and evokes the emotions of a mother putting her baby to sleep in a very moving, natural way in her recording debut for Deutsche Grammophon.

“Musical moments” can be moments of memories or reflection, a retrospect of the past or an anticipation of the future, that are enriched by hearing or thinking of a special piece of music in that same moment. Further artists in the series include Daniel Barenboim, Yuja Wang, Nadine Sierra, Avi Avital and Albrecht Mayer just to name a few.