Short Stories

Album Description

Dive into the intricate world of contemporary classical music with Thierry Escaich's "Short Stories," a captivating album released in 2019. This collection of chamber music pieces showcases Escaich's mastery of composition, blending rich textures and dynamic rhythms to create a compelling musical narrative. The album features a mix of earlier works and newer compositions, including the title track "Short Stories pour violon et piano," which was composed in 2018 and offers a glimpse into Escaich's evolving style.

Recorded in January 2019, "Short Stories" benefits from the exceptional performances of the Tchalik Quintet and Quatuor Tchalik, who bring precision and passion to each piece. The album spans a variety of instrumental configurations, from solo violin to quintet, providing a diverse listening experience that highlights Escaich's versatility as a composer. Standout tracks include "La ronde pour quintette avec piano" from 2000, "Après l'aurore pour quatuor à cordes" from 2005, and the five movements of "Scènes de bal pour quatuor à cordes" from 2001, each offering a unique perspective on Escaich's compositional voice.

With a total duration of one hour and one minute, "Short Stories" is a substantial and rewarding listen. The album is released under the Alkonost Classic label, known for its high-quality recordings and commitment to contemporary classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Thierry Escaich or new to his work, "Short Stories" offers a rich and engaging exploration of his musical vision.

September 20, 2019

2019 Georges Baur, Kah Light Painting

2019 Alkonost Classic

About Thierry Escaich

Thierry Escaich is a distinguished French composer, organist, and improviser, renowned for his unique contributions to contemporary music. As one of the most significant French composers of his generation, Escaich's work spans a diverse range of compositions, including orchestral pieces, organ works, and choral music. His compositions often draw inspiration from classical masters like Bach, as seen in his piece 'Baroque Song', which incorporates chorale preludes by the legendary composer. Escaich's music has been performed by prestigious ensembles such as the Orchestre Philharmonique de Liège and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, highlighting his standing in the musical world. Beyond his compositional prowess, Escaich is also an accomplished organist, serving at the historic Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in Paris. His ability to blend traditional and modern elements makes his music both accessible and innovative, appealing to a wide audience.