Rudolf Escher was a teacher and writer of music, a painter and poet as well as a composer. As a result he was very aware of the connection between text and music, which also came from his love of Renaissance choral music. His writing style was such that it defied classification with his use of polymelody, antimetric rhythm and chromatic harmonies. The pieces presented on this CD are the complete a cappella choral works by Escher. In the set "Songs of Love and Eternity" with poems by Emily Dickinson, Escher brings out the very dramatic images of nature in the text. Escher's music is considered extremely difficult. The first performance of "Songs of Love" was postponed twelve years after its completion. Under the direction of Ed Spanjaard, the Netherlands Chamber Choir makes it seem and sound easy. Much of the revered music from the Netherlands comes from the Renaissance period. Escher should, as well, be put on this list. |
