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Ensemble PolysonoMusical states of tension

This event is in the past.

Six musicians in front of a black background.
Copyright: Ensemble Polysono

The Ensemble Polysono is starting its 17th annual tour. This time, it goes in search for new musical means of expression that reflect human existence an artistically adequate way. Through imagination, innovation and sound visions, music tries to develop perspectives into a utopian future as a counterbalance to a difficult present.

This event is in the past.

The Ensemble Polysono is starting its 17th annual tour. This time, it goes in search for new musical means of expression that reflect human existence an artistically adequate way. Through imagination, innovation and sound visions, music tries to develop perspectives into a utopian future as a counterbalance to a difficult present.

  • Christine Simolka, soprano
  • Clara Giner Franco, flute
  • Cássio Bragada Costa, clarinet
  • Ruth Ten, violin
  • Kiril Fasla Prolat, cello
  • René Wohlhauser, baritone, piano, conductor

The world is in a state of upheaval, at a turning point. What was true yesterday no longer applies today. Where does that leave music? Music is electrified as soon as it leaves its ivory tower and enters the torrent of time. Art music is a seismograph of the times. In search of a better world, we undergo musical states of tension.

 

The tour programme for the 70th birthday of its ensemble leader René Wohlhauser presents a cross-section of the composer’s work from five decades of relentless musical activity. René Wohlhauser is considered one of the most versatile composers of his generation, with over 100 performances per year and a catalogue of over 2200 works.

 

From a solo piece for clarinet to an ensemble tutti for soprano, baritone, flute, clarinet, violin and cello on poems by the composer; from a vocal duo for soprano and baritone to a classical piano trio for violin, cello and piano: the ensemble’s performances cover a wide range of musical expressions, aiming to inspire, stimulate and perhaps provoke reflection.

“The diversity of sound as the programme concept is essentially Ensemble Polysono’s guiding principle. This Basel formation always draws attention with colourful programmes, rich in contrast.”

Schweizer Radio DRS

The Basel-based Ensemble Polysono specialises in the performance of challenging contemporary music. It tours throughout Switzerland and to several major cities in Europe every year. The ensemble’s programmes include both world premieres and revivals of superior works of topical relevance. its focus is on innovative ideas and concepts that draw their suspense from the dialectical confrontation between different aesthetic viewpoints.

 

René Wohlhauser (*1954) on his 70th birthday:

  • From his student days: Souvenirs de l’Occitanie for solo clarinet (1978), Ergon 4
  • From the New Complexity phase: Music for solo flute (2002), Ergon 29
  • From the oratorio The Marakra Cycle: Blay for soprano and baritone (2009), Ergon 40 No 2,1
  •  From the opera Gantenbein: Rachearie for soprano and piano (2004), Ergon 30 No 2
  • From the opera L’amour est une duperie: L’amour et la liberté for soprano, baritone, bass flute, bass clarinet, violin, cello and piano (2014), Ergon 53 No 7, world premiere
  • Piano Trio No 4 for violin, cello and piano (2023), Ergon 94, world premiere
  •  Quartet No 3 for violin, cello and piano (2023), world premiere
  • In mäandrierendem Rausch for soprano, baritone, flute, clarinet, violin and cello (2023), Ergon 95, premiere