A portrait on Swiss composers Vladimir Vogel and Armin Schibler.

Vladimir Vogel was born the son of a German businessman in Moscow in 1896. He was interned in Russia during 1914-18 in World War I. Afterwards he left for Germany to study music in Berlin under Feruccio Busoni. He settled in Switzerland in the mid 30ties, and received Swiss citizenship in 1954. He is renowned in particular for his orchestral, choral and chamber works, and for his pioneering efforts in integrating the spoken word with music.

Armin Schibler, born in 1920, is a prolific composer of instrumental and vocal works, chamber music, ballet, opera and orchestral compositions. He has a decided in interest in jazz and the rhythmic aspects of music in general, and is also a leading music educator of the progressive school.

Musical content

1. Vladimir Vogel: Meloforms for String Orchestra
Radio Berne Chamber Ensemble; Theo Hug, conductor
2. Armin Schibler: First and Third Piece. From "Iam manet ultima spes" op. 92 (Six Pieces for String Orchestra)
Collegium Musicum Zurich; Paul Sacher, conductor
3. Armin Schibler: Negro Spiritual (3rd movement, excerpt). From Concerto for Percussion, Piano and String Orchestra, op. 76
Karl-Heinz Benzinger, percussion; Margrit Weber, piano; Camerata Zurich; Räto Tschupp, conductor

Production information

Musica Helvetica MH 39. Contemporary Swiss Music. Vladimir Vogel and Armin Schibler. Produced 1978 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen (this recording is not available).

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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