Alexander Goehr's "Marching to Carcassonne" is a captivating journey through the mind of one of the most influential post-war composers. Released on Naxos in February 2013, this album showcases Goehr's remarkable ability to blend intellectual rigor with deeply expressive and hauntingly beautiful sonorities. The centerpiece of the album is the titular work, "Marching to Carcassonne, Op. 74," a nine-movement suite that serves as a musical autobiography, composed in 2003. This intricate piece is performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Oliver Knussen, with Peter Serkin on piano, delivering a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
The album also features two other significant works by Goehr: "When Adam Fell, Op. 89" and "Pastorals, Op. 19." These pieces, along with the various movements of "Marching to Carcassonne," offer a comprehensive overview of Goehr's compositional style, which is known for its assimilation of modernist techniques with a rich, expressive lyricism. The album's duration of just over an hour provides a substantial exploration of Goehr's musical language, making it a compelling listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to his work.
Alexander Goehr, born in Berlin in 1932 and brought to England as an infant, is a central figure of the post-war Manchester School of composers. His work has been recognized for its unique blend of intellectual depth and emotional power, and "Marching to Carcassonne" is a testament to his enduring influence and creativity. This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in contemporary classical music and the evolution of musical modernism in Britain.
Vinylscout