Heinz Holliger - Koechlin: Vocal Works With Orchestra (2004)

This set of the vocal works with orchestra by Charles Koechlin has everything going for it. First, with eight of the nine works being world-premiere recordings, most of the music here is terra incognita to even the most determined fan of the decadently voluptuous music of la belle epoch. Second, with aching chromatic melodies, yearning chromatic sonorities, and vibrant orchestral colors, all of the works here are examples of Wagner-influenced French music at its best. Third, with her sumptuous tone and passionate interpretations, Juliane Banse's singing is wholly convincing and utterly compelling. Fourth, with the accomplished former-oboist-turned-conductor Heinz Holliger on the podium, the accompaniment is scrupulously polished and thoroughly sympathetic. Fifth, with the professional but dedicated playing of the SWR Radio-sinfonieorchester Stuttgart and the committed singing of the SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Holliger has a wonderful group of musicians to work with. Sixth, with Hänssler's full, deep, rich sound, Koechlin, Banse, Holliger, and the Stuttgart musicians are represented in a recording that does them all justice. For those who know and love the orchestral songs of Debussy, Ravel, and Chausson, these songs by Koechlin will provide hours of pleasure.