Leading Swiss Artists of the Concert Stage – Heinz Holliger (MH 33/1975)

swissmusic

Oboist Heinz Holliger was born in Langenthal in 1939 and studied in Paris, Berne and Basel. At age 20 he won a first prize at the Geneva International Music Competition, and two years later he was also a first prize-winner in Munich.

These successes were followed by numerous engagements throughout Europe and the United States and appearances at international festivals with leading orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the New Philharmonia of London. A number of works have been written especially for him. But he himself is also one of the leading Swiss avantgarde composers. Holliger is an extremely versatile artist and an amazing virtuoso and one of the world’s most outstanding exponents of the oboe.
Since 1975 Holliger is honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Musical content

1. Gaetano Donizetti: Allegro (3rd movement). From Concertino for English Horn and Orchestra in G major
Heinz Holliger, English horn; Bamberger Symphoniker; Peter Maag, conductor
2. Heinz Holliger: Vor Sonnenaufgang – Daybreak. From “Six Songs for Soprano and Piano on poems by Christian Morgenstern”
Ursula Buckel, Soprano; Heinz Holliger, piano
3. Heinz Holliger: Lied für Flöte solo
Heinz Holliger, flute
4. Hans Ulrich Lehmann: Spiele für Oboe und Harfe – Games for Oboe and Harp
Heinz Holliger, oboe; Ursula Holliger, harp
5. Jan Dismas Zelenka: Adagio (2nd movement). From Sonata no. 5 in F major
Heinz Holliger, oboe; Maurice Bourgue, oboe; Klaus Thunemann, bassoon; Christiane Jacottet, harpischord; Marçal Cervera, cello
6. Friedrich Theodor Fröhlich: Pastorale. Andante (1st movement). From “Divertimento for Oboe and Piano”
Heinz Holliger, oboe; Jürg Wyttenbach, piano

Production information

Musica Helvetica MH 33. Leading Swiss Artists of the Concert Stage. Heinz Holliger (oboe). 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.