Matthias Schubert's "The Composer's Favorites" is a captivating journey through the realms of free jazz, released on June 10, 2020, under Housemaster Records. This album is a testament to Schubert's versatility and creativity, featuring a diverse range of compositions that span from intricate cello concertos to evocative solo pieces.
The album opens with the "Californian Cello Concerto," a four-movement work that showcases Schubert's mastery of composition for strings. The concerto is followed by a series of solo pieces, including "Winterende," "Rapsodie," and "Chaconne," each offering a unique exploration of sound and emotion. The "Farben des Regenbogens" series, which translates to "Colors of the Rainbow," is a particularly striking sequence of pieces, each named after a different color and evoking the hues through Schubert's innovative use of instrumentation and melody.
"Via Crucis," "Sarabande," and "Ave Maria" round out the album, providing a spiritual and contemplative conclusion to this musical journey. Schubert's collaborations with performers like Andreas Böhl add depth and richness to the recordings, making this album a standout in his discography.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes, "The Composer's Favorites" is a substantial and rewarding listen for anyone interested in the free jazz genre and contemporary classical music. Schubert's ability to blend traditional forms with modern experimentation makes this album a compelling addition to any music collection.