Thomas Larcher: Ixxu

Album Description

"Thomas Larcher: Ixxu" is a captivating collection of contemporary classical works, showcasing the distinctive voice of Austrian composer Thomas Larcher. Released in 2006 on the prestigious ECM New Series label, this album spans a concise yet impactful 53 minutes, featuring significant first recordings of Larcher's innovative compositions.

The album opens with three movements of Larcher's "Ixxu" String Quartet, performed by the acclaimed Rosamunde Quartett. These pieces, titled "flüchtig, nervös," "sehr schnell, präzise," and "ruhig," demonstrate Larcher's ability to craft intricate, expressive music that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply resonant.

The centerpiece of the album is "My Illness Is the Medicine I Need," a hauntingly beautiful song cycle for soprano, violin, cello, and piano. The six movements, each a standalone piece, explore themes of introspection and existential questioning, with the soprano's vocals weaving a spellbinding narrative over the rich instrumental tapestry.

The album concludes with "Mumien," a trio of pieces for cello and piano, and "Cold Farmer," a quartet of piano works. These final tracks continue to showcase Larcher's versatility and mastery of form, from the playful "mit Groove" to the contemplative "ganz langsam."

Throughout "Thomas Larcher: Ixxu," Larcher's unique compositional voice shines, making this album a compelling addition to any contemporary classical music collection. The performances are impeccable, bringing out the full depth and nuance of Larcher's compositions. Whether you're a longtime fan of contemporary classical music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

5 september 2006

℗ 2006 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Thomas Larcher

Thomas Larcher, born in Innsbruck, Austria in 1963, is a renowned composer and pianist celebrated for his unique blend of traditional symphonic elements and innovative contemporary techniques. His music, often described as haunting and dreamlike, showcases his astonishing ear for detail and quizzical attitude towards composition. Larcher's works, which span from solo piano pieces to large-scale orchestral compositions, have been performed and recorded by some of the world's most prestigious ensembles and soloists. He studied piano and composition at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, where he honed his craft under the guidance of esteemed mentors. Larcher's compositions, such as "The Living Mountain" and his symphonies, have garnered critical acclaim for their emotional accessibility and clever construction. In addition to his composing career, Larcher is also an accomplished pianist, having performed with conductors like Claudio Abbado. His music invites audiences to engage deeply with each note, convincing them that every sound is precisely where it should be. Larcher's imaginative voice continues to make waves in the classical music world, with his works being featured in major festivals and concerts around the globe.