Lockenhaus is an idyllic village somewhere on the border between Austria and Hungary. But once a year the peace is disturbed by the now famous Lockenhaus Festival. Its history dates back to 1981 when the local pastor asked violinist Gidon Kremer to organize a chamber music festival in the village. The sequel is obvious, because the Lockenhaus Festival has grown into one of the most important chamber
… music festivals in Europe. The informal character is characteristic: musicians stay with the local population and are therefore easily approachable for the public. On Wednesday afternoon there is a football match between villagers and artists. In between, the most beautiful concerts take place with the rule of thumb that it should mainly be unconventional. Programs are put together on the spot with preferably unknown and new music, performed by leading musicians in all conceivable combinations. A wonderful taste of the festival is captured on this eight CD box of previously unreleased live material, including a fabulous performance of Richard Strauss' Metamorphosen by Kremerata Baltica under Simon Rattle and Messiaen's little-performed Trois Petites Liturgies, here with children's choir! (JWvR) including a fabulous performance of Richard Strauss' Metamorphoses by Kremerata Baltica under Simon Rattle and Messiaen's little performed Trois Petites Liturgies, here with children's choir! (JWvR) including a fabulous performance of Richard Strauss' Metamorphoses by Kremerata Baltica under Simon Rattle and Messiaen's little performed Trois Petites Liturgies, here with children's choir! (JWvR)more
