Sinfonia in B is Joseph Swensen’s orchestration of the little-known original version of Brahm’s B major piano trio. In Swensen’s own words: "Completed in 1854, it is the largest and arguably the most important of Brahms’ publised early works, yet it remains nearly unknown to most musicians and music-lovers alike... The original Opus 8 is, for me, intriguing for many reasons. Not only is it a work of extraordinary quality and emotional depth, writtn by a coposer just 21 years of age, but it is a quintessential example of Brahms’ ultra-romantic and forward looking early style."

This album also explores the young Brahms’ connection with Robert and Clara Schumann, with orchestrations and performances (as violin soloist) by Swensen of miniature works by both composers - as well as extracts from the ’F-A-E’ sonata (a joint composition by Brahms, Robert schumman Joseph Joachim based on the motto ’Frei aber einsam’/ ’free but lonely’ - Joachim’s personal motto.