Search - Heinz Holliger :: Lieder Ohne Worte

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Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 07/25/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most of us know Heinz Holliger as an impeccable conductor and oboist and teacher. In this complex collection of works contained on this Immaculately recorded CD we discover that Heinz Holliger is a composer of great interest and importance. This recording samples works over a period of about twenty years and each work here is a chamber piece. The lead title of LIEDER OHNE WORTE is apt for the entire disc, as each of these little pearls is a brief song where words would only cause discord. In Holliger's word's music-making is 'a physical necessity. Those who can obtain peace of mind without this compulsion, should leave music to others.' According to Philippe Albèra 'Holliger's compositions cross the internal frontiers which separate the reassuring world of good taste from the world governed by the violence of truth ... [Listening], we are shaken by a great force.'



Thomas Zehetmair is the violin soloist here, a fact that already alertS the listener that this is music of importance: Zehetmair's ear and taste excludes works not significant. Some of the works are for violin alone and it is here that Zehetmair's intensity of performance is most stunning. The works also include 'duets' for violin and piano, the fine pianist is Thomas Larcher. And there are works for harp alone and in ensemble, the gifted harpist being Ursula Holliger. Placing these compositions in a 'category ' of music creation almost defies words. The planes of tonal expression seem endless and yet for all the technical facility they demand, they each remain related to a tonal center, as though each work begins with an idea, lets the idea dream and nearly evaporate, only to return to the core of the idea that began each piece.



Zehetmair especially but also Larcher and Ursula Hollinger prove to be deserving of the degree of respect they have and to continue to garner. This is a stunning collection of works that need to be performed more often. They are a testament to the brilliance of Heinz Holliger. Grady Harp, July 10"