Eberhard Klemmstein: Symphonie Nr.6

The Vogtland Philharmonic Orchestra, with its principal conductor Dorian Keilhack, offered to study two works from Eberhard Klemmstein's symphonic oeuvre in January 2021 and record them for a CD. During this time, no public concerts could be held due to the pandemic. Recordings, however, were possible, albeit under strict hygiene conditions and with large distances between the music stands. In terms of work and style, the orchestra entered completely new territory. The composer, conductor and recording director from Vienna, Othmar Eichinger, formed a team that succeeded in inspiring the musicians for this project, introducing them to the challenges as an ensemble and achieving a brilliant musical result. These recordings are examples of the long-standing, fruitful collaboration between composer and violist Eberhard Klemmstein and pianist/conductor Dorian Keilhack. Highlights include the world premiere of the second opera DER ACHTE TAG (The Eighth Day) and the recording of all songs for baritone and piano. Among the nine symphonies Klemmstein has written to date, No. 6 (2015) is more classical in conception in terms of its scope, movement sequence and orchestration. Klemmstein composes in a free-tonal expressionist style with a particular affinity for so-called ‘absolute music,’ which is also evident in his chamber music. This is clearly to his advantage in the ‘supreme discipline of orchestral music’, as he likes to refer to symphonies. His musical language is characterised by memorable, concise themes, skilful craftsmanship, stringent form and a personal harmonic style, making him a true symphonist. The Elegy for 10-part string orchestra was written in 2017 under the impression of the shockingly early death of the German-French pianist Katia Bouscarrut due to illness and represents a very personal work of mourning by the composer.