Contemporary Swiss Music – Willy Burkhard (MH 30/1975)

swissmusic

When Willy Burkhard died in Zurich in 1955 at the age of only 55, Switzerland mourned the loss of one of its most outstanding composers at the peak of his creative career.

Burkhard wrote both, vocal and instrumental music from the Lied to the oratorio and from chamber music to symphonies. Burkhard is highly esteemed also for his religious works, which sprang from his profound Christian faith.

Musical content

1. Willy Burkhard: Allegro tranquillo, 1st movement (excerpt). From Violin Concerto, op. 69
Hans Heinz Schneeberger, violin; Lausanne Chamber Orchestra; Victor Desarzens, conductor
2. Willy Burkhard: Lento, 2nd movement (excerpt). From Violin Concerto, op. 69
Hans Heinz Schneeberger, violin; Lausanne Chamber Orchestra; Victor Desarzens, conductor
3. Willy Burkhard: Magnificat for Soprano and Organ, op. 64
Ursula Buckel, Soprano; Kurt Wolfgang Senn, organ
4. Willy Burkhard: Canzona for Flute, Oboe and Strings, op. 76
Marianne Clément, flute; Bernhard Schenkel, oboe; Lausanne Chamber Orchestra; Arpad Gerecz, conductor

Production information

Musica Helvetica MH 30. Contemporary Swiss Music. Willy Burkhard. Produced 1975 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen.

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.