Holliger: Scardanelli-Zyklus

Heinz Holliger is one of the most exciting composers of our time. His Scardanelli-Zyklus took 16 years to gel and is a composite of pieces for mixed voices, instrumental ensembles, and flute soloist (here, the incomparable Aurèle Nicolet). Holliger’s settings of Friedrich Hölderlin reference the German poet’s latter-day psychosis, balancing the enchantments of seasons (notably via glass harmonica in Winter) and the harshness of their passing. With subtle operations of chance (as when the singers are instructed to follow the beat of their own pulses) and openness to interpretation, Holliger has crafted an enduring masterwork.