Journey to Geneva

Featuring

Estelle Revaz
Arie van Beek
Orchestre de Chambre de Genève
Frank Martin
Xavier Dayer

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Compositional Technique

Frank Martin's Cello Concerto uses a musical language that ranges from pure diatonicism to complex chromaticism, reflecting his journey from a "purity complex" after composing "The Mystery of the Nativity."

Composer Biography

Frank Martin, born in Geneva in 1890, was largely self-taught and developed a unique musical language, drawing inspiration from diverse styles including Bach, Schumann, Debussy, Schoenberg, Gregorian chant, jazz, flamenco, and even Pink Floyd.

Recording & Production

The Covid-19 crisis impacted this project, with much of the preparation for the CD taking place during lockdown, and the composers and soloists working on "Lignes d'Est" via audio messages and MP3 files.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Frank Martin believed that the artist's responsibility was to use beauty to liberate people.

Recording & Production

The recording of Xavier Dayer's "Lignes d'Est" is a world premiere recording.

Historical Context

Frank Martin composed "In Terra Pax" at the request of Radio Geneva in anticipation of the armistice of World War II.

Instruments

Estelle Revaz, the cellist on this album, plays a Giovanni Battista Grancino cello from 1679 and a Jacob Eury bow from 1825, provided by a Swiss foundation.