Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Rudolf Escher, one of the most original and intriguing Dutch composers of the 20th century. This three-CD compilation, released on April 1, 2020, by Brilliant Classics, offers a comprehensive journey through Escher's diverse musical landscape, encompassing orchestral, chamber, and choral works.
The album kicks off with Escher's Concerto for String Orchestra, a three-movement piece that showcases his ability to blend modernistic tendencies with a melodic approach. The first movement, "Canto appassionato, energico alla breve," sets the tone with its passionate and energetic character, while the second movement, "Rondo mediterraneo, presto," brings a lively Mediterranean flair. The third movement, "Ciaconna epica, grazioso e con moto," concludes the concerto with a graceful and moving epilogue.
The album also features Escher's "Musique pour l'esprit en deuil," a poignant piece that reflects the composer's introspective side. The "Le tombeau de Ravel" suite is another highlight, paying homage to the French composer Maurice Ravel with seven movements that range from the elegant "Pavane" to the triumphant "Hymne."
Chamber music enthusiasts will appreciate the "Trio à Cordes" and the "Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Piano," both of which demonstrate Escher's skill in writing for smaller ensembles. The "Songs of Love and Eternity" cycle offers a glimpse into Escher's vocal works, with settings of poems by Emily Dickinson and others.
The album concludes with a selection of choral works, including "Poems, First and Second Series," "Le vrai visage de la Paix," and "Ciel, air et Vents." These pieces showcase Escher's ability to write for the human voice, with texts that range from the spiritual to the poetic.
Throughout the album, Escher's music is performed by some of the Netherlands' finest musicians, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Netherlands Chamber Choir, and soloists such as Bart Schneemann and Frank van de Laar. The recordings, originally released on the NM Classics label, have been remastered for this release, ensuring optimal sound quality.
With a total runtime of over two hours and forty minutes, this album is a feast for the ears, offering a comprehensive overview of Rudolf Escher's musical output. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this compilation is sure to delight and inspire.
Tracks
Concerto for String Orchestra: I. Canto appassionato, energico alla breveRudolf Escher, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Concerto for String Orchestra: II. Rondo mediterraneo, prestoRudolf Escher, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Concerto for String Orchestra: III. Ciaconna epica, grazioso e con motoRudolf Escher, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Musique pour l'esprit en deuilRudolf Escher, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly
Le tombeau de Ravel: I. PavaneRudolf Escher, Jacques Zoon, Bart Schneemann, Glen Wilson, Ronald Hoogeveen, Dmitri Ferschtman, Zoltan Benyacs
Le tombeau de Ravel: II. AirRudolf Escher, Jacques Zoon, Bart Schneemann, Glen Wilson, Ronald Hoogeveen, Dmitri Ferschtman, Zoltan Benyacs
Le tombeau de Ravel: III. ForlaneRudolf Escher, Jacques Zoon, Bart Schneemann, Glen Wilson, Ronald Hoogeveen, Dmitri Ferschtman, Zoltan Benyacs
Le tombeau de Ravel: IV. SarabandeRudolf Escher, Jacques Zoon, Bart Schneemann, Glen Wilson, Ronald Hoogeveen, Dmitri Ferschtman, Zoltan Benyacs
Le tombeau de Ravel: V. RigaudonRudolf Escher, Jacques Zoon, Bart Schneemann, Glen Wilson, Ronald Hoogeveen, Dmitri Ferschtman, Zoltan Benyacs
Le tombeau de Ravel: VI. AirRudolf Escher, Jacques Zoon, Bart Schneemann, Glen Wilson, Ronald Hoogeveen, Dmitri Ferschtman, Zoltan Benyacs
Le tombeau de Ravel: VII. HymneRudolf Escher, Jacques Zoon, Bart Schneemann, Glen Wilson, Ronald Hoogeveen, Dmitri Ferschtman, Zoltan Benyacs
Trio à Cordes: I. TransformationsRudolf Escher, Ronald Hoogeveen, Dmitri Ferschtman, Zoltan Benyacs
Trio à Cordes: II. RéminiscencesRudolf Escher, Ronald Hoogeveen, Dmitri Ferschtman, Zoltan Benyacs
Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Piano: I. Intrada — Allegro risoluto — PassaggioRudolf Escher, Herman de Boer, Frank Van De Laar, Zoltan Benyacs
Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Piano: II. Passacaglia notturna — PassaggioRudolf Escher, Herman de Boer, Frank Van De Laar, Zoltan Benyacs
Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Piano: III. ComodoRudolf Escher, Herman de Boer, Frank Van De Laar, Zoltan Benyacs
Songs of Love and Eternity: I. These Are the Days When Birds Come BackRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Songs of Love and Eternity: II. Wild Nights!Rudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Songs of Love and Eternity: III. Heart, We Will Forget Him!Rudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Songs of Love and Eternity: IV. The Wind Tapped Like a Tired ManRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Songs of Love and Eternity: V. To Make a Prairie It Takes a CloverRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Poems, First and Second Series: Taste a Liquor Never BrewedRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Le vrai visage de la PaixRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Ciel, air et Vents: I. OdeRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Ciel, air et Vents: II. ChansonRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Ciel, air et Vents: III. SonnetRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Three Poems by W.H. Auden: I. If I Could Tell YouRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Three Poems by W.H. Auden: II. A CurseRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Three Poems by W.H. Auden: III. Warm Are the Still and Lucky MilesRudolf Escher, Netherlands Chamber Choir, Ed Spanjaard
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
Looking for "Escher: Orchestral, Chamber and Choral Music" on vinyl?
We don't have a live price right now, but stock fluctuates daily. You can check for hidden stock on Amazon directly, or let us alert you as soon as it is available.
