Koechlin: L'abbaye, Sonatines & Chorals

Immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world of Charles Koechlin's "L'abbaye, Sonatines & Chorals," a captivating collection of chamber music released on July 1, 2013, under the Skarbo label. This album is a testament to Koechlin's mastery of composition, featuring a diverse range of works that showcase his unique voice and technical prowess.

The album opens with "L'abbaye, Op. 16," a choral work that blends sacred texts with Koechlin's distinctive harmonic language. The piece is performed with exquisite sensitivity by the ensemble, highlighting the composer's ability to evoke a sense of reverence and introspection. Following this, the album delves into Koechlin's "Organ Sonatines, Op. 107," a series of three sonatinas that demonstrate his skill in writing for the organ. Each sonatina is a journey in itself, with movements that range from lively and energetic to contemplative and serene.

Jean Galard's performance of these sonatinas is nothing short of breathtaking, bringing out the full depth and complexity of Koechlin's writing. The album also includes "4 Chorals, Op. 98" and a "Choral in F Minor, Op. 90bis," further showcasing Koechlin's ability to create profound and moving music from simple, sacred texts.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Koechlin's choral and organ works, performed with the highest level of artistry. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Koechlin's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Charles Koechlin was a French composer, teacher, and musicologist who navigated the musical currents of the late 19th and mid-20th centuries with a deeply personal and independent style. Born in Paris in 1867, Koechlin's eclectic compositions blend Romanticism, Impressionism, and Orientalism, reflecting his diverse influences and passions. A pupil of Gabriel Fauré, Koechlin's music is known for its complexity and innovation, often featuring bitonality and near-atonality. His works span a wide range of genres, including symphonies, operas, songs, and chamber music. Among his notable compositions are "Les Heures persanes," a set of piano pieces inspired by Pierre Loti's novel "Vers Ispahan," and "The Seven Stars Symphony," a seven-movement symphony dedicated to popular film stars of the 1930s. Koechlin's extensive body of work, though not widely published during his lifetime, has left a lasting impact on French music. His influence extended beyond his compositions to his teaching, as he mentored many younger composers, including members of the influential group "Les Six." Koechlin's passion for music was matched by his enthusiasm for various other interests, from medieval music and the works of Rudyard Kipling to film stars and outdoor pursuits. His legacy endures as a pioneer of polytonality and a master orchestrator, celebrated for his unique voice in the world of classical music.