Joshua Bell, the Grammy-winning Sony Masterworks violinist, fulfills a life-long dream of recording a CD of instrumental and vocal duets with a colorful roster of musicians in his upcoming album At Home With Friends (available September 29th), including Josh Groban, Sting, Kristin Chenoweth, Regina Spektor, and Chris Botti, among others. The concept of At Home With Friends was inspired by Bell’s long-time practice of holding “musical soirées” at his New York residence — eclectic gatherings of musicians, actors, comics, literary figures, and others who convene for the sheer joy of sharing their art in an informal setting. With this in mind, Bell has spent the past four years designing and building his home in Manhattan to accommodate the ideal stay-at-home venue.
Of his inspiration for the album, Bell says: “Some of my most precious memories of childhood recall the ‘family musicales’ in my home — my sisters, my parents, my cousins all playing music together and for each other during the holidays. Since then I went on to have many thrilling experiences in concert halls, but I still enjoy the experience of making music with my friends and family in a small, intimate setting. There’s nothing like sitting on a pillow by the piano surrounded by passionate artists, not quite sure who’s going to get up next to perform. It’s my hope that this recording figuratively transports listeners into the room with us.”
Bell’s instrument is a 300-year-old Stradivarius violin called the Gibson ex Huberman violin, which was made in 1713 during what is known as Antonio Stradivari‘s “Golden Era.” This violin had been stolen twice from the previous owner, Bronisław Huberman; the last time the thief confessed to the act on his deathbed. Bell had held and played the violin, and its owner at the time jokingly told Bell the violin could be his for four million dollars. Shortly thereafter, by chance, Bell came across the violin again and discovered it was about to be sold to a German industrialist to become part of a collection. According to his website, Bell “was practically in tears.” Bell then reportedly sold his current Stradivarius, the Tom Taylor, for a little more than two million dollars and made the purchase of the Gibson ex Huberman for a little under the four million dollar asking price.
Here is the tracklisting:
- 1 Porgy & Bess/I Loves You Porgy / Chris Botti 4:16
- 2 Come Again 3:59
- 3 Oblivion / Carel Kraayenhof 3:57
- 4 Cinema Paradiso / Josh Groban 4:31
- 5 Para Ti / Tiempo Libre 3:48
- 6 My Funny Valentine / Kristin Chenoweth 5:49
- 7 Maybe So / Mike Marshall 4:53
- 8 Allegretto Espressivo Alla Romanza from Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Pi 6:44
- 9 Eleanor Rigby / Frankie Moreno 4:03
- 10 Oh, Cease Thy Singing, Maiden Fair, Op. 4 No. 4 / Nathan Gunn 4:16
- 11 Il Postino/Theme / Carel Kraayenhof 3:44
- 12 Left Hand Song / Regina Spektor 3:29
- 13 Chovendo Na Roseira / Dave Grusin 4:18
- 14 Look Away / Chris Thile 9:05
- 15 Variant Moods, For Violin & Sitar/Abridged / Anoushka Shankar 3:33
- 16 I’ll Take Manhattan 4:11
There is also a bonus track included with the Barnes and Noble edition of At Home With Friends – White Christmas (Bonus Track) / Chris Botti 4:10.
