Holliger: Induuchlen

Heinz Holliger, renowned for his virtuosity and innovative spirit, presents "Induuchlen," a captivating journey into the heart of Swiss cultural heritage. Released on June 17, 2011, via ECM New Series, this album is a testament to Holliger's prowess as both a composer and an oboist, showcasing his deep connection to his roots and his ability to translate them into a universal language of music.

"Induuchlen" is a rich tapestry of chamber music, woven with threads of Swiss dialect poetry and traditional melodies. The album opens with the "Toronto-Exercises," a series of pieces that demonstrate Holliger's technical mastery and compositional ingenuity. The heart of the album, however, lies in the "Puneigä" cycle, a suite of songs that explore the changing seasons and the cycle of life, death, and renewal. Each song is a miniature masterpiece, filled with vivid imagery and profound insights.

The album also features the "Induuchlen" suite, a set of pieces inspired by the Swiss landscape and folklore. These pieces, performed by Holliger and the Swiss Chamber Soloists, are a testament to the power of music to evoke a sense of place and time. The album concludes with "Ma'mounia," a piece that reflects Holliger's interest in the music of North Africa, adding a touch of exoticism to the otherwise firmly Swiss album.

Throughout "Induuchlen," Holliger's playing is a marvel of technique and expression. His oboe sings, whispers, and soars, painting a vivid musical landscape that is as varied as it is beautiful. The album is a feast for the ears, a celebration of the power of music to connect us to our past, to our present, and to each other. With a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, it's an album that rewards repeated listening, revealing new depths and nuances with each play.

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.