The award-winning American violinist and classical music superstar Joshua Bell signed his first recording contract with Decca at the age of 18.

This limited edition presents his debut album and first concerto recordings for the first time. The 3-CD set  features music by Bruch & Mendelssohn, Brahms & Paganini, as well as Sarasate, Wieniawski and Tchaikovsky.

JOSHUA BELL is one of the most celebrated violinists of his era. His restless curiosity, passion, and multi-faceted musical interests have earned him the rare title of "classical music superstar." Recently named the Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Bell is the first person to hold this post since Sir Neville Marriner formed the orchestra in 1958.

Equally at home as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and orchestra leader, Bell's 2014 summer highlights include performances with the Indianapolis and Detroit Symphonies and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. Appearances at Aspen, Festival del Sole Napa, Ravinia, Verbier, Salzburg, Mostly Mozart and Tanglewood and two concerts with the New York Philharmonic in New York's Central and the Bronx's Van Cortland Parks round out the summer. Bell kicks off the new season at the New York Philharmonic, Toronto, and National Symphony Orchestra galas. A U.S. and European recital tour with pianist Alessio Bax, a week with the New York Philharmonic and a European tour with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields are just some of this year’s highlights.

The year 2015 commences with European tours with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe as well as a U.S. and Canadian recital tour with pianist Sam Haywood. Spring guest soloist performances with orchestras include The Munich Philharmonic and Ochestra Nacional d’Espana and three Czech chamber music concerts at London’s Wigmore Hall with cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Jeremy Denk.

An exclusive Sony Classical artist, Bell has recorded more than 40 CDs since his first LP recording at age 18 on the Decca Label. In October, 2014 HBO will air the documentary special Joshua Bell: A YoungArts MasterClass to coincide with the eagerly anticipated release of his Bach album recorded with The Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

 

Watch Joshua Bell perform the opening movement of Bruch's Violin Concerto.