Heinz Holliger, the renowned Swiss conductor, composer, and oboist, joins forces with the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra for this captivating album, released under the Zig-Zag Territoires label in 2013. The disc presents a compelling exploration of Arnold Schoenberg's works, featuring the Chamber Symphony No. 2, Op. 38, and the string orchestra version of Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4. Additionally, the album includes Anton Webern's Langsamer Satz, adding a touch of early 20th-century Austrian modernism to the collection.
The Chamber Symphony No. 2, Op. 38, is a testament to Schoenberg's innovative spirit, blending traditional symphonic forms with modern harmonies and structures. The work is presented in two movements: the first, a contemplative Adagio, and the second, a fiery Con fuoco, showcasing the orchestra's dynamic range and Holliger's nuanced direction.
Verklärte Nacht, originally a string sextet, is here performed in Schoenberg's own string orchestra arrangement. This transcendent work, inspired by a Richard Dehmel poem, explores themes of redemption and transformation, with Holliger and the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra delivering a performance that is both intimate and expansive.
Completing the album is Webern's Langsamer Satz, a slow movement for string quartet that, despite its brevity, packs an emotional punch. The Lausanne Chamber Orchestra's sensitive rendering highlights the work's lyrical beauty and structural sophistication.
With a total runtime of just over an hour, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, showcasing the artistry of Heinz Holliger and the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, as well as the enduring appeal of these modernist masterpieces.
Vinylscout