Der Einsiedler

Christoph Prégardien (tenor) & Kammerorchester Basel, Camerata Vocale Freiburg, Winfried Toll

Max Reger set about composing a requiem many times. One year before his death he succeeded in creating a work in which he appeals against being forgotten, without making explicit reference to Christ, with the score for the poem “Requiem” by Friedrich Hebbel. The music on this CD puts the composer, who died in 1916, alongside his contemporaries Gustav Mahler and Alexander von Zemlinsky. The Basel Chamber Orchestra is recognised as one of the leading chamber orchestras in the classical music scene. Invitations to the most important worldwide concert houses and festivals shape their agenda, as well as their own subscription concerts in Basel. Various recordings on classical labels like Sony, Deutsche Harmonia Mundi and Warner classics, many awarded with prestigious prizes, are witnesses to the excellent quality of the musical ensembles joy of playing together.

Precise vocal control, clear diction, intelligent musicality and an ability to get to the heart of everything he sings all ensure Christoph Prégardien’s place among the world’s foremost lyric tenors. Especially revered as a Lieder singer, he kicks off the 2019/2020 season with concerts at the Schubertiade Hohenems and the Oxford Lieder Festival. He then performs in the US on tour with pianist Julius Drake, before the pair give joint recitals at London's Wigmore Hall and in Madrid.

Mahler:
 Rückert-Lieder
 Blicke mir nicht in die Lieder! (Rückert-Lieder)
 Ich atmet' einen linden Duft (Rückert-Lieder)
 Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen (Rückert-Lieder)
 Liebst Du um Schönheit (Rückert-Lieder)
 Um Mitternacht (Rückert-Lieder)

Reger:
 Der Einsiedler, Op. 144a
 Requiem, Op. 144b

Zemlinsky:
 Psalm 23, Op. 14 'Der gute Hirt'