Overview

Around the same time as the release of our third album with Sony, another Sony artist was producing his own album, which would feature duets with artists across many genres. It was the perfect project for our second collaboration, Joshua Bell accompanied by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Sourced from a 1928 RCA recording of Rachmaninoff and violinist Fritz Kreisler playing the slow movement from Greig's Violin Sonata No. 3, Zenph re-performed the piano part while Bell let Kreislers performance deeply influence his own interpretation. Bell was so gracious as to perform this duet at the press event for our own album before the track went on to be included in At Home With Friends. PBS produced a televised concert version of the album duets for its 'Live at Lincoln Center' series.

About 'At Home With Friends'

Joshua Bell, the Grammy-winning violinist, fulfills a life-long dream of recording a CD of instrumental and vocal duets with a colorful roster of musicians, 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."

About Joshua Bell

For more than two decades, Joshua Bell has enchanted audiences worldwide with his breathtaking virtuosity and tone of rare beauty. He came to national attention at the age of 14 in a highly acclaimed orchestral debut with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra. A Carnegie Hall debut, the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, and a recording contract further confirmed his presence in the music world. Today he is equally at home as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestra leader. His restless curiosity and multifaceted musical interests have taken him in exciting new directions that has earned him the rare title of "classical music superstar." In addition to his concert career, Bell enjoys chamber music collaborations with artists such as Pamela Frank and Steven Isserlis.