Éventail

Heinz Holliger, renowned for his virtuosity and expressive depth, presents "Éventail," a captivating journey through French classical repertoire, released on ECM New Series. This album, available from September 22, 2023, showcases Holliger's mastery of the oboe alongside the skilled pianism of Anton Kernjak.

"Éventail" spans a rich tapestry of compositions, from the evocative "Pièce en forme de Habanera" by Maurice Ravel to the lyrical "Vocalise-étude" by Sergei Rachmaninoff. The album also features works by lesser-known composers, offering a fresh perspective on the oboe's expressive range. Highlights include the intricate "Oboe Sonata, Op. 166" by Francis Poulenc and the haunting "Syrinx" by Claude Debussy, beautifully adapted for the oboe d'amore.

The album's duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes is filled with moments of technical brilliance and profound musicality. Holliger's interpretations are marked by their sensitivity and nuance, making "Éventail" a standout addition to any classical music collection. The album's packaging, a jewel case, ensures that the physical product is as elegant as the music it contains. With its blend of familiar and lesser-known works, "Éventail" is a testament to Holliger's artistry and his deep connection to the French musical tradition.

Heinz Holliger, born in Switzerland in 1939, is a multifaceted figure in the world of classical music, renowned as a composer, virtuoso oboist, and conductor. His extraordinary versatility and technical prowess have established him as one of the most prominent oboists of his generation. Holliger's repertoire spans Baroque and Classical masterpieces, as well as lesser-known Romantic works and his own compositions. He has collaborated with his wife, harpist Ursula Holliger, to perform contemporary pieces, and has inspired numerous composers, including Messiaen, Berio, and Stockhausen, to create works specifically for him.

As a composer, Holliger is known for his uncompromising avant-garde style, with a catalog that includes operas such as "Schneewittchen" (1998) and "Lunea," as well as a wide range of chamber and orchestral works. His music often draws inspiration from poets grappling with themes of insanity and mortality. Holliger's journey in music began with studies at the conservatories of Bern and Basel, followed by advanced training in Paris with renowned musicians like Pierre Pierlot and Yvonne Lefébure. His career has seen him perform with leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide, earning him numerous awards and accolades. Whether conducting, composing, or performing, Heinz Holliger's contributions to the classical music landscape are both profound and enduring.