Renner Ensemble Regensburg - Weissundblau - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

The fruitful exchange between harp practice and composition - The harp is a unique instrument in many ways. With it's unmistakable sound and specific playing technique, the expertise of harpists is indispensable for composers, many of whom are not harpists themselves. In the best-case scenario, both sides win from this exchange - the composer is inspired by the possibilities of the instrument, and the composition reveals new facets of the instrument. For this recording, Julia Wacker has gathered a number of felicitous examples of such exchanges between performer and composer, as each of these 20th-century pieces presents the many facets and often surprising aspects of the harp. Album Tracks 1. Sonata for Harp Op. 150 (1955) 2. Deux Impromptus Pour Harpe (1925) 3. Sonata Per Arpa Op. 68 (1943) 4. Divertissements Pour la Harpe (1924) 5. Suite for Harp Op. 83 (1969) 6. Präludium, Arioso Und Passacaglia (1987)

If you take stock of all the lieder composed by Schumann, Brahms, Wolf, Mahler, Strauss, Debussy, and of course, Schubert, you will note that the majority are slow, meditative, contemplative. Virtuosity is not an essential part of the equation in the lied genre, at least not in the sense of rapid vocal coloraturas or thundering piano passages. The song automatically comes with a text included, and this opens up another world entirely. This has musical implications as well. In Schubert's case, a great poem whose verses convey a striking message is provided with a magnificently sensual musical frame that allows the text to exude a powerful influence on the listener. InchWandering,Inch or, better yet, InchstrollingInch through nature is part of the very essence of the Romantic poet, with all his loneliness and longing. He contemplates nature, he listens to the silence, he describes inner emotional states. InchWanderingInch could also imply a sort of movement, but in Schubert's lieder we are actually dealing with an individual subject who is moving, InchwanderingInch through the time allotted to him on this earth. We are confronted with a series of snapshots, doubts, and fears. Whenever Schubert depicts the inner emotional state of the soul, he is always honest and truthful. This is Andre Schuen's third album. His first two have been rave-reviewed all over the globe. Schuen counts as one of the young stars in the world of vocalists, and not only participates in the highest level of festivals, but also in the world's biggest opera houses. Album Tracks 1. Der Wanderer D 493 (3. Fassung / 3rd Version) 2. Der Wanderer An Den Mond D 870 3. Fahrt Zum Hades D 526 4. Der Schiffer D 536 5. An Den Mond D 259 6. Des Fischers Liebesglück D 933 7. Der Musensohn D 764 8. Auf Der Bruck D 853 9. Totengräbers Heimweh D 842 10. Im Abendrot D 799 11. Abendstern D 8

The majority of the repertoire is the result of a commissioning project from 2023, through which each composer was asked to set an excerpt from the Old Testament's Song of Songs - a source noted for it's radical approach to topics like S*x, love, and feminism. Throughout Latvia's rich history of choral music, female composers have stood alongside their male colleagues and made equal contributions to the repertoire. Significant national figures from the late 19th and early 20th century like Jazeps Vitols and Emils Darzins are joined by Lucija Garuta. The works of Peteris Vasks are matched in stature and intensity by the compositions of Maija Einfelde. Today the innovative works of Andris Dzenitis and Martins Vilums share their position in the repertoire with works from Gundega Smite and Ruta Paidere Album Tracks 1. Jau Izplaukusi 2. Already Bloomed 3. Vina Kreisa Roka Gul Zem Manas Galvas 4. His Left Hand Is Under My Head 5. Naraudavu 6. I Did Not Cry 7. Ka Lilija Starp Erkskiem 8. As a Lily Among Thorns 9. Vinu 10. Him 11. No Saknes Zieds Uz Augsu Veras 12. To Open, Any Flower Needs a Root 13. Laika Dziesma 14. Song of Time 15. Augsta Dziesma 16. Song of Solomon 17. Tu Esi Skaista 18. You Are Beautiful