"Nachhall - Othmar Schoeck Orchesterlieder" is a captivating journey through the musical landscape of Swiss composer Othmar Schoeck, celebrated for his significant contributions to the late Romantic era. This album, released on February 10, 2024, under the iMD-Schweizer Fonogramm label, features a stunning collection of 22 tracks, spanning a total duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes.
The centerpiece of the album is the late cycle "Nachhall, Op. 70," composed between 1954 and 1955. This series of songs, set to poems by Lenau and Claudius, showcases Schoeck's mastery of orchestral accompaniment and his deep understanding of the human voice. The album also includes world premiere recordings of early song cycles from Op. 4 and Op. 17, arranged by conductor Graziella Contratto, offering a unique perspective on Schoeck's early compositions.
Performances are led by the esteemed Berner Symphonieorchester, with vocal contributions from soprano Olena Tokar and baritone Stephan Genz. The album highlights Schoeck's prolific output, with nearly 400 orchestral songs to his credit, cementing his status as one of the most important song composers of the 20th century. This release is a testament to Schoeck's enduring legacy and his ability to blend poetic lyricism with rich orchestration, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection."
Othmar Schoeck, born into an artistic family in Brunnen, Switzerland, in 1886, was a multifaceted musician renowned for his contributions as a composer, conductor, and pianist. Schoeck's musical journey began at the Zürich Conservatory, where he honed his skills before studying briefly with Max Reger in Leipzig. His career, primarily based in Zürich, spanned conducting choral societies and symphony orchestras, as well as composing a vast array of works.
Schoeck is celebrated for his art songs, or Lieder, which number over 300, showcasing his deep lyrical romanticism. His operas and instrumental works, influenced by figures like Busoni, Berg, and Les six, have earned him a place among the significant composers of the 20th century. Despite facing controversy for his collaboration with Nazi Germany, Schoeck's legacy endures, with his works experiencing a resurgence of interest in recent years. His compositions, including the haunting song-cycle "Notturno," offer a rich tapestry of emotional depth and musical innovation, making him a composer worth exploring for both his technical prowess and his enduring musical legacy.
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Othmar Schoeck
