Christoph Richter presents a captivating exploration of the works of Swiss composer Heinz Holliger with his album "Holliger: Romancendres." Released on May 8, 2009, under the prestigious ECM New Series label, this chamber music album offers a rich and immersive listening experience.
The album features a diverse collection of pieces, including the three Romances from Op. 22, transcribed for cello and piano, showcasing Richter's exceptional skill and versatility. The Romances are followed by the four-part "Romancendres," a hauntingly beautiful suite that delves into themes of darkness and light, with titles like "Aurora (Nachts)" and "Der Würgengel der Gegenwart." The album concludes with selections from "Gesänge der Frühe," a set of songs that evoke the freshness and vitality of spring.
Richter's performance is marked by a deep sensitivity and technical precision, bringing Holliger's intricate compositions to life with clarity and passion. The album's duration of 59 minutes provides a satisfying and complete journey through Holliger's evocative musical landscape. Whether you're a longtime fan of chamber music or a newcomer to the genre, "Holliger: Romancendres" is a compelling addition to any music collection.
3 Romances, Op. 22 (Transcr. for Cello & Piano): I. Andante moltoClara Schumann, Christoph Richter, Dénes Várjon
3 Romances, Op. 22 (Transcr. for Cello & Piano): II. AllegrettoClara Schumann, Christoph Richter, Dénes Várjon
3 Romances, Op. 22 (Transcr. for Cello & Piano): III. Leidenschaftlich schnellClara Schumann, Christoph Richter, Dénes Várjon
Romancendres: Kondukt I (C.S. – R.S.)Heinz Holliger, Christoph Richter, Dénes Várjon
Romancendres: I. Aurora (Nachts)Heinz Holliger, Christoph Richter, Dénes Várjon
Romancendres: II. R(asche)S FlügelschlagenHeinz Holliger, Christoph Richter, Dénes Várjon
Romancendres: III. Der Würgengel der GegenwartHeinz Holliger, Christoph Richter, Dénes Várjon
Romancendres: IV. heiter gewegt – (Es wehet ein Schatten darin)Heinz Holliger, Christoph Richter, Dénes Várjon
Romancendres: Kondukt II (Der bleiche Engel der Zukunft)Heinz Holliger, Christoph Richter, Dénes Várjon
Gesänge der Frühe: No. 1, Der Frühling Die Sonne kehrt zu neuen freuden wiederHeinz Holliger, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Bruno Ganz, Serena Wey, Michael Maassen
Gesänge der Frühe: No. 2, An ElysiumHeinz Holliger, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Bruno Ganz, Serena Wey, Michael Maassen
Gesänge der Frühe: No. 3, An Diotima Schönes Leben!Heinz Holliger, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Bruno Ganz, Serena Wey, Michael Maassen
Gesänge der Frühe: No. 4, Geh unter, schöne Sonne...Heinz Holliger, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Bruno Ganz, Serena Wey, Michael Maassen