composer

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DEUTSCH   中文

«Canto» for String Orchestra (2015)

„Canto“ is a „song“ in the broadest sense. Although I still find it difficult to describe the process of composing in words, inner „singing“ seems to play a crucial role for me – inner singing in terms of melodic thoughts, inspirations. Often, I find that – sometimes even unconsciously – motifs, melodies, musical thoughts emerge, settle in my imagination, and begin to circle around. This can sometimes be almost annoying but is mostly a „gift“. „Singing“ is often my starting point, as in „Canto“. Even independently of „Canto“, where such a melodic idea eventually became the „idée fixe“ throughout the piece, I have always been drawn to the challenge of starting with as little material as possible and then leading it through various transformations. \"Canto“ became an expressive mood painting, in which this melodic „idée fixe“, introduced in the slow introduction, is constantly changing through lyrical, but on the other hand, increasingly intense soundscapes, culminating in a kind of catharsis towards the end. Throughout large stretches, an unrelenting pulse drives the music. The instrumentation is at times widely spread out, allowing almost all participants to play individual voices. This enables rich harmonies as well as dense polyphony. On the other hand, the chamber music character of the string ensemble is also acknowledged, with each member taking on soloistic responsibilities. \"Canto“ is tailored to the lineup of the Zurich Chamber Orchestra. The collaboration and longstanding friendship with them began with a portrait CD featuring four of my works for and with string orchestras, including „Labyrinth“, composed for the ZKO, which has since been performed many times and has had the opportunity to travel extensively on several tours. The familial, friendly atmosphere, coupled with the highest concentration and interpretation at a world-class level, made every encounter a „highlight“ in my life. With „Canto“ – created as part of the Pro Helvetia project „Oeuvres Suisses“ – this beautiful collaboration now continues.

Recordings

Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Willi Zimmermann

Ars Produktion - ARS 38 560 (P 2019)

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