Bernhard Gander - Bernhard Gander: Bunny Games (LP)

Bernhard Gander's "Bunny Games" is a captivating exploration of contemporary classical music, released in 2007 under the KAIROS label. This album is a live recording featuring the renowned ensemble Klangforum Wien, conducted by Sylvain Cambreling, and showcases Bernhard Gander's unique compositional voice.

The album is centered around the title track, "Bunny Games," a sprawling, fifteen-movement work that unfolds over the course of an hour. Each movement, labeled from I to XV, offers a distinct musical landscape, demonstrating Gander's versatility and innovative approach to composition. The ensemble's live performance brings an immediacy and energy to the music, making it a thrilling listen from start to finish.

In addition to "Bunny Games," the album includes several other works by Gander, each offering a different perspective on his compositional style. "Fluc 'n' Flex" is a playful piece for accordion, while "Ö" is a more introspective work for quintet. The album also features "Peter Parker," a solo piano piece, and "Fête.Gare," another ensemble work.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, "Bunny Games" is a substantial and engaging listen. It's a testament to Bernhard Gander's skill as a composer and Klangforum Wien's prowess as an ensemble. Whether you're a fan of contemporary classical music or simply looking to explore something new, this album is sure to impress.