Mouvement Op. 7 C (SCHLEE THOMAS DANIEL)

SKU: BA.BA09352

ISBN 9790006499830. 21 x 29.5 cm inches. Language: German. Preface: Thomas Daniel Schlee.

The first piece “Sicut ros Hermon” (Psalm 133) meditates on the path God’s mercy takes, whereby the initial slow descending harmonic sequences develop into an emphatic song followed by a tender chorale-like coda.

“Si sumpsero pennas aurorae” (Psalm 139) relates to a highly poetic, consolatory but also admonishing image of the psalm: As far as our wings may carry us, God’s hand will take hold of us. We cannot escape his mercy or his judgement. At the end of this striking movement the music conveys almost haptic moments; one can sense the mighty ‘hand’ by means of the tutti sound. Finally the music becomes as calm as at the start of this piece, though dialogue-like figurations convey repercussions of what was experienced and acknowledged.

SKU: BA.BA11012

ISBN 9790006498864. 29 x 21 cm inches.

The French titles and tempo markings in this four-movement, twenty-minute-long trio point to the composer’s particular affinity to French culture.

The “Prlude” is followed by an impressive “Invocation”, an homage to Schlee’s highly regarded former teacher Olivier Messiaen in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. This movement, composed somewhat earlier than the others, was the departing point for the work. Amongst contemporary music one is not likely to find titles like those that were chosen for the final two movements: “Allgresse” (exultation, joy) and “Eglogue” (eclogue – a short pastoral poem). The titles give the music a lasting dramaturgical quality. They reflect the lyrical, serene atmosphere of this extraordinary masterpiece.

SKU: BA.BA11086

ISBN 9790006564446. 32.5 x 25.5 cm inches.

A suite whose movements always deliver something other than what they seem to promise. But throughout, the two instruments and respectively their players act like two people in very specific situations:

I.: The opening movement is reserved for the piano; the initially earnest, solitary cantilena intensifies creating expectation. Suddenly
II.: the violin sounds. Its moving figures replace the now silent piano, also soloistically.
III. „Passacaglia“ : The title is taken literally – the two instruments/persons encounter each other in the street. Two musical characters who meet at a specific point, recognize each other, but move on again, each one by itself.
IV. „Rondo“: The two of them dance together. Before me, I saw people dancing the Sardana – a round dance – in front of the cathedral of Barcelona. Four themes in different time signatures circle ceaselessly between the two instruments.
V. „Fuga“: At last, regardless, panic flight – again the title is taken literally ... Human, only too human …