Krenek: Choral Works

Dive into the rich tapestry of Ernst Krenek's choral masterpieces with this captivating album, released on March 3, 2010, by Harmonia Mundi. This collection showcases the versatility and depth of Krenek's compositional genius, spanning a variety of themes and styles that reflect his unique artistic vision.

The album features a diverse range of works, including the hauntingly beautiful "Sechs Motetten nach Worten von Franz Kafka, Op. 169," which sets Kafka's evocative prose to music, and the contemplative "Five Prayers, Op. 97," which offers a spiritual journey through sacred texts. Additionally, the album includes the dramatic "Kantate von der Vergänglichkeit des Irdischen, Op. 72," and the expressive "Lamento della Ninfa," demonstrating Krenek's ability to convey a wide range of human experiences through his music.

Krenek's choral works are performed with exquisite precision and passion by the RIAS Kammerchor under the direction of Hans-Christoph Rademann. The ensemble's impeccable blend and dynamic range bring out the intricate details and profound depths of Krenek's compositions, making this album a standout in the chamber music genre.

This album is a testament to Krenek's enduring legacy as a composer who seamlessly blended traditional and modern elements in his music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Krenek's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album offers a compelling introduction to his choral repertoire. With a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, it is a rich and rewarding listening experience that will leave you eager to explore more of Krenek's extensive catalog.

Ernst Krenek, born in Vienna in 1900, was a prolific and versatile Austrian-American composer whose career spanned over seven decades, reflecting the major musical trends of the 20th century. Krenek's oeuvre is a testament to his insatiable curiosity and innovative spirit, encompassing styles from neoromantic tonality and neoclassicism to atonality, serialism, and even jazz influences. He was a prominent exponent of the serial technique and wrote a significant number of works using the twelve-tone system. Krenek's contributions to the piano concerto repertoire are particularly notable, standing alongside those of Bartók and Prokofiev. Beyond his compositional work, Krenek was also a prolific writer, penning several influential books on music. His journey took him from Vienna and Berlin to various universities in the US and Canada, where he taught and continued to compose until his passing in 1991. Krenek's music offers a rich and diverse sonic landscape, inviting exploration and discovery.