Contemporary Swiss Music – Frank Martin (MH 4/1974)
A tribute to eminent Swiss composer Frank Martin, completed shortly before his death in 1974.
Frank Martin, born in Geneva in 1890, became one of the most ditinguished Swiss composers of our century and was an influential authority on musical education. He settled in the Netherlands in 1946 but remained “profoundy Swiss at heart”.
Musical content
1. Frank Martin: Prélude no. 4. From “Huit préludes pour le piano”
Frank Martin, piano
2. Frank Martin: The composer speaks about his beginnings.
3. Frank Martin: Rumba (3rd Dance). From “Trois Dances pour hautbois, harpe et orchestre à cordes”
Heinz Holliger, oboe; Ursula Holliger, harp; Basel Chamber Orchestra; Paul Sacher, conductor
4. Frank Martin: Ballades des Pendus. From “Poèmes de la Mort”
Text: François Villon; Pierre-André Blaser, Tenor; Etienne Bettens, Baritone; François Loup, Bass-Baritone; Tony d’Adario, electric guitar; Bobbio Gino, electric guitar; Mario Gabbi, electric guitar; Frank Martin, conductor
5. Frank Martin: The composer speaks about music education
6. Frank Martin: In Paradisum. From “Requiem for solo voices, mixed chorus, orchestra and organ”
Elisabeth Speiser, Soprano; André Luy, organ; Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Union Chorale and Choeur de Lausanne; Frank Martin, conductor
7. Frank Martin: The composer speaks about his “Requiem”.
8. Frank Martin: The composer speaks about his relations with Switzerland.
9. Frank Martin: The composer speaks about “Le Vin herbé”.
10. Frank Martin: Epilogue. From “Le Vin herbé” – Profane oratorio for solo voices and instruments
Text: Joseph Bédier; Frank Martin, piano; Victor Desarzens, conductor
Production information
Musica Helvetica MH 4. Contemporary Swiss Music. Frank Martin. Produced 1974 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen and Nicolas Lombard.
Background information
Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. “Musica Helvetica” explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.
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