Koechlin: Les chants de nectaire, Series 2, Op. 199 "Dans la forêt antique"

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Charles Koechlin's "Les chants de nectaire, Series 2, Op. 199 'Dans la forêt antique'." This exquisite collection of chamber music, released in October 2020, is a testament to Koechlin's mastery of the genre and his unique ability to evoke the natural world through sound. Comprising 32 captivating pieces, this album is a journey through the ancient forest, where each track paints a vivid picture of the scenes and creatures that inhabit this mystical realm.

From the gentle rustling of leaves to the playful dances of nymphs and fauns, Koechlin's compositions transport you to a place where time seems to stand still. The album opens with "L'ombre, par une fraîche matinée de printemps," setting the stage for a musical exploration of the forest's many moods and mysteries. Throughout the collection, Koechlin's use of modern classical techniques creates a rich tapestry of sound, with each piece building upon the last to create a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

Performed with exquisite skill and sensitivity by Nicola Woodward, this recording is a true showcase of Koechlin's genius and his enduring influence on the world of classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Koechlin's work or a newcomer to his music, "Les chants de nectaire, Series 2, Op. 199 'Dans la forêt antique'" is sure to captivate and inspire. With a total duration of one hour, this album is the perfect way to escape into the beauty of the natural world and lose yourself in the enchanting sounds of the ancient forest.

October 16, 2020

2019 Hoxa

About Charles Koechlin

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.