Enjott Schneider - Orbe Rotundo (Hayko Siemens)

Information

Composer: Enjott Schneider

• Orbe Rotundo (scenic pictures on the annual circle)

Sandra Moon, soprano

Robert Sellier, tenor

Todd Boyce, baritone

Münchner MotettenChor

Moravská Filharmonie Olomouc

Hayko Siemens, conductor

Date: 2023

Label: Wergo

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Description

Expressly conceived as a "companion piece" to Carl Orff's enduringly popular Carmina Burana, Enjott Schneider's "Orbe Rotundo" received "exceptionally enthusiastic applause for a contemporary work" (Neue Musikzeitung) at it's premiere. The composer describes the work ("a collection of pictures on Latin and medieval texts") as a continuation and expansion of themes dealt with in Carmina Burana. Schneider also utilizes the exact vocal and instrumental forces of Orff's composition, all of which were in top form for this live recording of the premiere performance. The Munich Motet Choir is the musical protagonist of the piece. Under the direction of Hayko Siemens, to whom the work is dedicated, the choir is by turns explosively dynamic, rhythmically supple, and expressively tender, while always maintaining an impressive and beautiful sonority. The work was clearly a labor of love for Schneider, an experienced composer of thrilling film music. How could it not be, since the sometimes earthy and extreme texts deal with the full range of human behavior? One critic even speculated about a cinematic realization of the music. Whatever the format, the work seems destined to achieve the success it so richly deserves, providing those who love Carmina Burana with a worthy successor and sequel: "Orbe Rotundo".

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Enjott Schneider (born 1950 in Weil am Rhein) is a German composer, musicologist and educator. He studied music and humanities at Freiburg, earning a doctorate under Hans-Heinrich Eggebrecht. Schneider held academic posts in Freiburg and Munich, and later taught composition in Regensburg. He gained prominence in the 1980s as a leading film composer, scoring major German television series and films. His diverse output spans symphonies, operas, concertos and organ works, often blending styles from classical to rock. A prolific author and studio founder, he has received numerous prestigious awards for his music.

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Hayko Siemens (born 1954 in Schleswig-Holstein) is a German conductor and organist. He began his musical training at an early age and held his first organist position at 13. He made his concert debut in Berlin at 16, launching an international career that included performances across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania. In addition to his extensive work as an organist, Siemens developed a significant conducting career, collaborating with leading orchestras and soloists worldwide. He also held key church music positions in Bad Homburg and Munich and directed major choral and festival initiatives.

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