Classical for creators: Epidemic Sound releases renowned works by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Schumann

• Today, Epidemic Sound released a 'Classical Essentials' music collection designed for content creators, including recordings of great works such as Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons", Mozart's "Twinkle Variations", and selections from Schumann's "Novelletten"
• Performed by celebrated artists Eric Jacobsen, Michelle Ross, and Mira Ma, the recordings took place at two distinct locations: Power Station at BerkleeNYC and Immersive Music Studios, Stockholm
• This release comes in response to the recent surge in use of classical music in YouTube videos, with a growth of more than 90% in 2022, according to Epidemic Sound’s research 
• It underlines Epidemic Sound’s ongoing commitment to the classical genre, and its aim to provide content creators with high-quality, in-demand music

Stockholm, Sweden – Epidemic Sound, the market-leading soundtrack innovation platform, today released a collection of revered classical works to its catalog, catering to the needs of content creators. The 'Classical Essentials' collection includes pieces such as Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”, Mozart's “Twinkle Variations”, and select movements from Schumann’s “Novelletten”.

The recording of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” took place at the iconic Power Station at BerkleeNYC and is underpinned by the creative freedom afforded to the Odyssey Orchestra, an ensemble hand-picked by the Grammy-nominated Artistic Director and Conductor Eric Jacobsen.

“What I love most is how we were able to dig into all of Vivaldi's imagery throughout, like the shattering of the ice, the late-night drunken walk, the summer storms that come and go in a flash, and the barking dog in the distance...there is SO much character which brings the piece to life,” commented Artistic Director and Conductor Eric Jacobsen. “Epidemic Sound gave us the joyous opportunity to see this recording through with complete creative freedom and motivation. Every artist on this recording gave so much love, dedication, and we're so proud to be a part of this new collaboration."

The result has elements of raw, unabashed expression that informs a bold interpretation of the celebrated composition, led by the violin soloist Michelle Ross.

“These Concerti are equally as daring as they are restrained - the music is concise, often with the sigh of one phrase it can shift across landscapes,” added soloist Michelle Ross. “Vivaldi’s music stretches each performer's virtuosity to communicate joy and tenderness, through the spirit of chamber music. Recording these Concerti with an ensemble made up of some of the most inspiring artists and friends was a dream come true.”

Epidemic Sound’s 'Classical Essentials' collection also features virtuoso pianist and Mozarteum alumna Mira Ma. Recorded at Immersive Music Studios (formerly Baggpipe Studios), Stockholm, Ma performed Mozart: 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman" K. 265 (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star), and Schumann’s Novelletten, Op. 21, Nos. 1 & 2. 

“Our aim was to approach these recordings like a stage performance so we could create a genuine sound and feeling of continuity. We didn’t rely on many takes and ultimately wanted to present the most honest performance possible,” commented pianist and Mozarteum alumna Mira Ma. “These pieces are very close to my heart, and I’m proud of the end result as I believe it showcases Schumann’s lyricism and technical complexity, as well as the youthful spirit within Mozart’s 12 variations in C major.”

The announcement follows another year of strong industry growth for classical music, after being established as Epidemic Sound’s fastest-growing genre on YouTube in 2022. Recognizing the increased demand for the genre, this initiative is aimed at making high-quality classical music more accessible to content creators, while supporting a vibrant community of classical music artists and enthusiasts. 

“We are, once again, humbled by the talent and creativity of the musicians and artists around us, and excited to share their amazing performances with our content creators and the world,” added Oscar Höglund, CEO and Co-Founder, Epidemic Sound. “The timelessness of classical music means it is continuing to trend among creators, listeners, and viewers alike in 2023. There’s plenty more in the works to meet this broad demand for classical music. Stay tuned.”

‘Classical Essentials’ Track List:

• Vivaldi:
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 "Spring": I. Allegro
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 "Spring": II. Largo e pianissimo sempre
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 "Spring": III. Allegro
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2, RV 315 "Summer": I. Allegro non molto 
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2, RV 315 "Summer": II. Adagio
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2, RV 315 "Summer": III. Presto
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8 No. 3, RV 293 "Autumn": I. Allegro
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8 No. 3, RV 293 "Autumn": II. Adagio molto
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8 No. 3, RV 293 "Autumn": III. Allegro "La caccia"
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4, RV 297 "Winter": I. Allegro non molto
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4, RV 297 "Winter": II. Largo
  • The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4, RV 297 "Winter": III. Allegro
• Mozart: 
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Tema (“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”)
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation I
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation II
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation III
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation IV
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation V
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation VI
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation VII
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation VIII - Minore
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation IX
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation X
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation XI - Adagio
  • 12 Variations in C Major on "Ah, Vous Dirai-Je Maman", K. 265: Variation XII - Allegro
• Schumann:
  • Novelletten, Op. 21, No. 1, Markiert und kräftig
  • Novelletten, Op. 21, No. 2, Äußerst rasch und mit Bravour

To listen to the “Classical Essentials” collection and check out Epidemic’s full range of tracks and sound effects, visit https://www.epidemicsound.com/

About Eric Jacobsen

Already well-established as one of classical music’s most exciting and innovative conductors, Eric Jacobsen combines fresh interpretations of the traditional canon with cutting-edge collaborations across musical genres. Hailed by the New York Times as “an interpretive dynamo,” Eric, as both a conductor and a cellist, has built a reputation for engaging audiences with creative and collaborative programming.

Eric currently serves as Music Director of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, as he continues to pioneer both orchestras’ programming and community engagement in new and exciting directions. 

Eric is also Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Knights, the uniquely adventurous NYC-based chamber orchestra. The ensemble, founded with his brother, violinist Colin Jacobsen, grew out of late-night music reading parties with friends, good food and drink, and conversation. Current projects include a multi-year Rhapsody project as well as a residency at Carnegie Hall. 

A frequent guest conductor, Eric has established continuing relationships with the Colorado Symphony, the Detroit Symphony, the Oregon Bach Festival, and the Dresden Musikfestspiele. Recent engagements also include concerts with the Omaha Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, and Grant Park Festival.

Eric brings joy, storytelling, and a touch of humor to what he describes as “musical conversations” that delight audiences around the world, including those who do not traditionally attend classical music concerts. Jacobsen is married to Grammy-Winner singer-songwriter Aoife O’Donovan and together they have a daughter.

About Michelle Ross

Michelle Ross is a violinist, composer and improviser of uncommon gifts and deep curiosity. A protégée of the legendary Itzhak Perlman, this year Michelle had the honor of touring as guest first violinist with the Juilliard String Quartet, and with Avi Avital and the Between Worlds Ensemble. This year also brought world premieres of her compositions at Lucerne Festival and the Tanglewood Music Center. Michelle has performed as guest concertmaster with a stellar range of ensembles including the Orchestre de Paris, the London Symphony Orchestra, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. An improviser across genres, Michelle is featured improvising with Jon Batiste on “Movement 11” from the Grammy-winning album “We Are.”  

Praised for her debut album, pop-up project and blog Discovering Bach: Complete Sonatas and Partitas of J.S. Bach, Michelle is also passionate about expanding the bounds of contemporary music, and is faculty at Lucerne Festival Contemporary. Michelle was recently the soloist in Arvo Pärt’s Fratres at the Metropolitan Museum’s Celebration of Arvo Pärt at the Temple of Dendur, with James Blachley and EXO. Collaboration highlights include many Musicians From Marlboro tours, and a performance of Bach Double with Itzhak Perlman, Michael Tilson Thomas and San Francisco Symphony. Recent album releases include “The Whale Song,” composed for cellist Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir, “Haiku,” composed for cellist Arlen Hlusko, and featured performances on Samuel Adler: Chamber and Instrumental Music. 

Michelle is the recipient of the prestigious Leonore Annenberg Career Grant, and holds degrees from The Juilliard School and Columbia University.

About Mira Ma

Mira Ma, hailing from Taiwan, is a pianist, educator, and composer. Her musical journey began under her mother's guidance, debuting at seven with a sonata and her own compositions. By twelve, she played Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Taipei Century Symphony Orchestra. While classically rooted, Mira thrives on musical improvisation, a passion she imparts as an educator.

Mira is a decorated musician, winning competitions like MTNA, Young Keyboard Artists Association, and the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition. She studied under Noretta Conci-Leech, the teaching assistant of legendary pianist Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, and participated in the Leeds International Piano Competition in England.

Chamber music is a profound interest for Mira, accompanying luminaries and serving as an artistic director for the 2013 Summer Chamber Music Series in New York. She's performed globally at esteemed venues and festivals, including the Kennedy Center and International Piano Masterclasses in Poland.

Mira holds an Artist Diploma from Hartt School of Music, a Piano Pedagogy Certificate, and a Master’s Degree from the Manhattan School of Music, with further studies at the Mozarteum University of Salzburg. She's contributed her expertise to institutions like The Diller-Quaile School of Music and Marymount School in New York City.

Currently, Mira remains active as a member of the Bacchanalia Chamber Ensemble in Taipei, passionately continuing her journey in music.

About Epidemic Sound:

Epidemic Sound, the market-leading soundtrack innovation platform, is headquartered in Stockholm, heard around the globe and on a mission to soundtrack the world.

The company has democratized access to music for storytellers. Its innovative digital rights model paves the way for creators - everyone from YouTubers to small businesses to the world’s largest brands - to use restriction-free music to take their content to the next level, whilst simultaneously supporting the musicians it works with both financially and creatively.

The company was co-founded in 2009, operates across the globe, and has offices in five major cities: Stockholm, New York, Los Angeles, Seoul, and Amsterdam. Epidemic Sound is backed by EQT, Blackstone, Creandum, Atwater Capital, Alecta. AMF, and TIN Fonder and its Chairperson is Andrew Fisher, former CEO and Chairman of Shazam.

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