Escher: Orchestral, Chamber and Choral Music

Dive into the avant-garde world of Rudolf Escher with this comprehensive collection of his orchestral, chamber, and choral music. Released on April 1, 2020, under the Brilliant Classics label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 40 minutes, offering a deep exploration of Escher's diverse and innovative compositions.

The album opens with the three-movement Concerto for String Orchestra, showcasing Escher's mastery of orchestral dynamics and his ability to evoke a range of emotions through strings alone. Following this, the hauntingly beautiful Musique pour l'esprit en deuil and the intricate Le tombeau de Ravel provide a glimpse into Escher's more introspective and reflective side.

Chamber music enthusiasts will delight in the Trio à Cordes and the Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Piano, both of which highlight Escher's skill in writing for smaller ensembles. The former explores themes of transformation and reminiscence, while the latter offers a journey through contrasting moods and textures.

Vocal pieces are also well-represented, with the Songs of Love and Eternity and the Three Poems by W.H. Auden showcasing Escher's talent for setting text to music. These works, along with the solo piano piece Poems, First and Second Series and the choral work Ciel, air et Vents, demonstrate Escher's versatility and his ability to convey deep emotional and poetic resonance.

This album is a testament to Rudolf Escher's enduring legacy as a composer, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Whether you're drawn to the dramatic sweep of his orchestral works or the intimate beauty of his chamber and vocal pieces, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.