Orchectral Works, Lieder : R.Craft / Phiharmonia, Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble, etc

ANTON WEBERN (1883-1945)
Vocal and Orchestral Works

Ricercata from J.S. Bach's 'Musical Offering', trans. for orchestra by Anton Webern (1934-35)
Two Songs, Op. 19 (1926)
Five Movements for String Orchestra, Op. 5 (1909-29)
Two Songs, Op. 8 (1910)
Five Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10 (1911-13)
Four Songs, Op. 13 (1914-18)
Six Songs, Op. 14 (1917-21)
Five Sacred Songs, Op. 15 (1917-22)
Das Augenlicht, 'Through Our Open Eyes Light Flows into the Heart' Op. 26 (1935)
Variations for Orchestra, Op. 30 (1940)
Second Cantata, Op. 31 (1941-43)

Tony Arnold - soprano
Claire Booth - soprano
David Wilson-Johnson - bass
Simon Joly Chorale
Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble
Philharmonia Orchestra
Robert Craft, conductor

Robert Craft's abiding love and understanding of Anton Webern's music have made him an internationally renowned champion of this elusive composer's oeuvre. Its utter originality, pristine architecture and refined emotionalism yield rich rewards indeed. Whether transforming the Ricercata from J.S. Bach's A Musical Offering into a kaleidoscope of orchestral sounds, creating vivid new colours through ever-changing vocal and instrumental groupings, revelling in multi-layered polyphony or cultivating the purest simplicity, Webern reveals new musical worlds which remain as fresh and fascinating today as when they were written. ( NAXOS )