Koechlin - Complete music for saxophone - CD

Charles Koechlin, music theorist and composer, was an important figure in the Parisian cultural whirlwind of the early 20th century. After studying under Jules Massenet and Gabriel Fauré, the latter having a huge influence on his music, Koechlin co-founded the Independent Musical Society in 1909 and several years later became president of the Fédération Musicale Populaire. Passionate about Hollywood, Koechlin was often inspired by its legendary figures and dedicated numerous pieces to actresses such as Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow and Lilian Harvey.

Koechlin's compositional style contains elements of impressionism, and his growing interest in the saxophone can be closely linked to his enthusiasm for the cinema of the 1930s. Twenty years later, the publication of his Treatise on Orchestration, in which he praises the saxophone for its sonority and agility, coincides with that of a set of 15 studies for the instrument. These studies, varying in length and character, feature in this collection, alongside works such as the Two Sonatinas, Wind Septet and the famous Epitaph for Jean Harlow.

Formed in 2001 by David Brutti and Filippo Farinelli, Duo Disecheis explores 20th century and contemporary chamber music. Having performed at many prestigious festivals and venues across Europe, the duo have achieved huge success in international competitions and collaborated with composers such as Paolo Baioni, Stefano Trevisi and Dimitri Nicolau. The Atem saxophone quartet joins the duo on this recording, which has received critical acclaim for its performances at numerous chamber music and jazz festivals.

Other information:

- For the first time complete on CD: Saxophone Music by Charles Koechlin, an important work of this musical genius.

- Contains notes on the composer and works

Disc 1 - Total duration 64'28

1-5. Sonatina Op.194 No. 1

6-9. Sonatina Op.194b No. 2

10. Monodie No. 9 - from 12 Monodies Op.213

11. The Rest of Tityrus - from 11 Monodies for wind instrument Op.216

12-35. 24 Duets Op.186

Disc 2 - Total duration 65'31

1-15. 15 Studies Op.188

16-22. 7 pieces from 15 pieces for horn and piano Op.180

Disc 3 - Total duration 51'50

1. Epitaph of Jean Harlow Op.164

2-7. Septet for wind instruments Op.165

8-9. Life opens before you - Go freely! Op.165bis

10. Prelude No.5 from 15 preludes for piano Op.209

11-15. Sonatina Op.194 No.1

16-19. Sonatina Op.194b No.2

Artists: David Brutti, saxophones – Mario Caroli, flute – Duo Disecheis – Atem Saxophone Quartet – Orchestra Città Aperta – Filippo Farinelli (piano and direction).

Label: Brillant Classics

Released: December 2012

EAN: 5029365926621