Sacher Commissioned Works

Dive into the world of contemporary classical music with Heinz Holliger's "Sacher Commissioned Works," a captivating collection released in 2011. This album is a testament to Holliger's virtuosity and his significant contributions to the chamber music genre. The Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne accompanies him, bringing to life a diverse range of compositions that showcase Holliger's mastery of the oboe and his prowess as a conductor.

The album opens with Béla Bartók's "Divertimento pour orchestre à cordes," a three-movement work that exemplifies Bartók's unique compositional style. Following this, Holliger's own "Concerto pour piano, cordes et percussion" unfolds, a piece that demands technical brilliance from the performers and offers a rich listening experience. The centerpiece of the album is "Mystère de l'instant," a ten-movement work for 24 strings, cymbalum, and percussion. This ambitious composition is a journey through various musical landscapes, each movement offering a unique atmosphere and musical ideas.

"Sacher Commissioned Works" is not just a collection of performances; it's a celebration of Holliger's artistic vision and his enduring impact on the classical music world. The album's duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes is filled with intricate details and profound musical expressions, making it a rewarding experience for both casual listeners and classical music enthusiasts. Whether you're familiar with Holliger's work or discovering it for the first time, this album offers a compelling introduction to his artistic world.

Heinz Robert Holliger is a Swiss musical polymath, renowned for his virtuosity on the oboe, his insightful conducting, and his evocative compositions. Born in 1939, Holliger has carved out a unique path in the classical music world, seamlessly blending his roles as performer, conductor, and composer. His oboe playing is celebrated for its technical brilliance and emotional depth, with a repertoire that spans from Baroque to contemporary works, many of which were written specifically for him by esteemed composers like Messiaen, Berio, and Lutosławski. Holliger's compositions, such as his opera "Schneewittchen," showcase his distinctive voice and innovative approach to music. His recordings, available on prestigious labels like Teldec, Philips, and ECM, offer a glimpse into his vast musical universe, making him a must-experience artist for any classical music enthusiast.