Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative world of Frank Martin, a 20th-century Swiss composer whose works blend rich harmonies and deep introspection. This album, released in 2010, showcases Martin's masterful compositions, performed with exquisite precision by the Berliner Philharmoniker. The suite from "Der Sturm" opens the album with a dramatic and sweeping overture, followed by the ethereal "Mein Ariel! Hast du, der Luft nur ist" and the solemn "Ein feierliches Lied." The suite concludes with the reflective "Epilog. 'Hin sind meine Zaubereien!'"
The album then delves into the hauntingly beautiful "Six Monologues from Jedermann," a series of solo vocal pieces that explore themes of mortality, faith, and redemption. Each monologue is a standalone masterpiece, from the despairing "Ach Gott, wie graust mir vor dem Tod" to the hopeful "O ewiger Gott!"
The album concludes with the "Symphonie Concertante," a work that highlights Martin's ability to blend orchestral textures with solo virtuosity. The two movements, "Adagio - Allegro moderato" and "Adagio - Allegretto alla Marcia - Vivace," showcase the composer's mastery of form and his unique harmonic language.
This album is a testament to Frank Martin's enduring legacy and his ability to create music that resonates deeply with the human experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection of works is sure to captivate and inspire. With a duration of approximately one hour, it's the perfect way to spend an hour lost in the beauty of Martin's compositions.