If every work of art can be understood as the docile or rebellious descendant of dozens, indeed hundreds of other works of art, the immense majority of Wolfgang Rihm's compositions fully assume the heritage of the past. This is especially true of 'Nähe fern', whose title (‘Distant proximity') refers to his experience of the four symphonies of Brahms. Each of these pieces for orchestra is a homage profoundly linked with its model, yet at the same time constantly moves away from it. Commissioned by the Lucerne Sinfonieorchester 'Nähe fern' was premiered at the Lucerne Festival on 20th August 2012.
Born in New York, James Gaffigan won first prize at the 2004 Sir Georg Solti International Conducting Competition. He is currently Chief Conductor of the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester and Principal Guest Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic and the Gürzenich-Orchester Köln. He is also in great demand with leading orchestras throughout the world.
Following his debut at the Vienna State Opera he was immediately invited back for 'Don Giovanni' in 2012/13. A continuing relationship with Glyndebourne has seen him conduct 'La Cenerentola', 'Falstaff' and 'Così fan tutte'.
The most prolific of German composers writes four pieces as pendants to the Brahms symphonies
there's considerable refinement in the playing and Gaffigan avoids drawing undue attention to Brahmsian references - letting them emerge without forcing the point, which was surely Rihm's intention...A thoroughly worthwhile release.
The playing of the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester under James Gaffigan is sharp, incisive, appropriately-paced and precisely focused. Yet it's also playing which admits of exploration, reflection and an unhurried examination of the priorities which a modern composer has - particularly texture and melody, harmony and tempo.
The incalculably prolific Rihm has added another large, unusual opus to his oeuvre...Fragments of the canonical masterpieces tantalisingly punctuate these curious essayistic meditations that seem to combine a sort of brooding languor with a determined cutting edge.
Typically, Rihm seems empowered rather than restricted by the weight of tradition.
This is a very fine recording and is well worth hearing, especially for followers of Rihm’s recent music... it is great that Harmonia Mundi continues to have faith in his wayward and unpredictable genius, presenting commercial recordings of his recent music with production values that most contemporary composers can only dream of
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