Fabian Müller, the composer, studied cello at the Zurich Conservatory and composition in Zurich and the USA, where he won the Jacob Druckman Award for Orchestral Composition in 1996.
Composition History
The "Nachtgesänge" (Night Songs) were originally composed in 1993 for mezzo-soprano, English horn, horn, harp, and string quartet, and later orchestrated at the suggestion of conductor David Zinman.
Compositional Technique
The "Gayatri-Rhapsodie" incorporates a simple three-note melody from the Sanskrit prayer, which is woven throughout the work and becomes increasingly prominent.
Composer Biography
Beyond composing, Fabian Müller is interested in folk music and spent ten years compiling the Hanny Christen Collection, a ten-volume anthology of over 10,000 19th-century folk tunes.
Performer Biography
The Cello Concerto is dedicated to the composer Fabian Müller's wife, Pi-Chin Chien, who is also the cellist performing on this recording.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Fabian Müller strives for "absolute music" that does not need extra-musical content to be complete or understood, despite being inspired by texts like those of Hermann Hesse.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Fabian Müller's "Gayatri-Rhapsodie" is based on one of humanity's oldest prayers, the Gayatri, which asks for a clear spirit rather than mercy or forgiveness.
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