Immerse yourself in the profound and spiritual world of Frank Martin's "Le mystère de la nativité," a masterful orchestral work that delves deep into the mystery and wonder of the nativity. Composed by the esteemed Swiss musician Frank Martin, this album is a testament to his musical genius and his ability to weave intricate narratives through sound. Originally premiered in Geneva in 1959, this large-scale Christmas oratorio has been beautifully recorded and presented, offering a timeless listening experience.
"Le mystère de la nativité" is a meticulously crafted album, spanning 22 tracks and clocking in at just under 1 hour and 40 minutes. The album is divided into three parts, each exploring different facets of the nativity story through a blend of choral and orchestral arrangements. The text, drawn from a medieval mystery play by Arnoul Gréban, adds a layer of historical depth and poetic beauty to the composition.
The album features the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Alois Koch, along with a stellar cast of soloists who bring the narrative to life with their powerful and nuanced performances. From the ethereal "Choeur" to the triumphant "Gloria in excelsis," each track is a journey through the sacred and the sublime, capturing the essence of the nativity story in a way that is both reverent and captivating.
Frank Martin, born in Geneva in 1890, was a prodigious talent from a young age, displaying remarkable musical abilities even before he began formal schooling. His compositional skills were honed over decades, and "Le mystère de la nativité" stands as one of his most significant works. This album is a celebration of his artistic vision and a tribute to his enduring legacy in the world of classical music.
Whether you are a longtime admirer of Frank Martin's work or a newcomer to his compositions, "Le mystère de la nativité" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's intricate arrangements, powerful performances, and historical significance make it a standout addition to any music collection.
2014 Musiques Suisses2014 Musiques Suisses
Tracks
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. I: ChoeurFrank Martin, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. I: Au paradisFrank Martin, Christophe Einhorn, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. I: PrologueFrank Martin, Peter Brechbuhler, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. I: Aux enfersFrank Martin, Christophe Einhorn, Rudolf Rosen, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. I: Aux limbresFrank Martin, Barbara Locher, Rudolf Rosen, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. I: Aux paradisFrank Martin, Michael Pavluv, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. I: Sur terreFrank Martin, Liliane Zürcher, Rudolf Rosen, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. I: Ave MariaFrank Martin, Barbara Locher, Christophe Einhorn, Rudolf Rosen, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. I: Mon âme magnifieFrank Martin, Barbara Locher, Liliane Zürcher, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. II: Aux enfersFrank Martin, Christophe Einhorn, Philippe Huttenlocher, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. II: Au paradisFrank Martin, Christophe Einhorn, Hans-Jürg Rickenbacher, Rudolf Rosen, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. II: En BethlehemFrank Martin, Barbara Locher, Philippe Huttenlocher, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. II: Et incarnatus estFrank Martin, Barbara Locher, Philippe Huttenlocher, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. II: Ta naissanceFrank Martin, Barbara Locher, Rudolf Rosen, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. II: Aux champsFrank Martin, Christophe Einhorn, Rudolf Rosen, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. II: Vertu divine - Gloria in excelsisFrank Martin, Christophe Einhorn, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. II: O creeur de toute personneFrank Martin, Barbara Locher, Christophe Einhorn, Peter Brechbuhler, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. III: Simeon le prophèteFrank Martin, Michael Pavluv, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. III: Les rois magesFrank Martin, Barbara Locher, Christophe Einhorn, Rudolf Rosen, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. III: SathanFrank Martin, Christophe Einhorn, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. III: La présentation au templeFrank Martin, Barbara Locher, Philippe Huttenlocher, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch
Le mystère de la nativité, Pt. III: Réjouissez-vous hautementFrank Martin, Liliane Zürcher, Christophe Einhorn, Musikhochschule Luzern Mozart-Ensemble, Madchenchor inVoice Stadtische Musikschule Luzern, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Alois Koch