On November 30, 2019, the much appreciated Mariss Jansons passed away. In addition to being chief conductor of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, he was also permanent leader of the orchestra of the Bavarian broadcaster (can be heard on this edition). Jansons was admired for his conscientious approach to the classical and romantic repertoire. His handling of contemporary music was sometimes more difficult.
An exception is this CD with Wolfgang Rihm's Requiem-Strophen. Perhaps this music suited Jansons better because of the constant dialogue with tradition. Rihm argued, as did and , his own requiem text, drawing on the Bible (psalms, Isaiah), the Latin requiem texts and the poetry of Rilke, among others. It is thoughtful music, searching, groping, like faded smears on an empty canvas. (HJ)more
