Contemporary Swiss Music – André-François Marescotti and Conrad Beck (MH 35/1976)
André-François Marescotti and Conrad Beck are two of Switzerland's leading contemporary composers.
Marescotti was born near Geneva in 1902. After working as a technical draughtsman he studied music at the Geneva Conservatory and in Paris. He has written a wide range of orchestral, instrumental and choral works.
Beck was born near Schaffhausen, northern Switzerland, in 1901. He studied at the Zurich Conservatory and in Paris. He returned to Switzerland in 1933 and meanwhile became one of Switzerland’s most prolific composers. His works cover chamber music, concertos, symphonies, Lieder and oratorios.
Musical content
1. André-François Marescotti: Moderato (1st movement). From Concerto for Piano and Orchestra
Composed in 1956
Lottie Morel, piano; Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Samuel Baud-Bovy, conductor
2. Conrad Beck: Einsame Nixe – Lonely Water Nymph. From the song cycle “Herbstfeuer – Autumn Glow”
Composed in 1956
Verena Gohl, Contralto; Radio Symphony Orchestra of Basel; Räto Tschupp, conductor
Poems by Ricarda Huch
3. Conrad Beck: Allegro vivace (2nd movement). From “Fantasy for Orchestra”
Composed in 1968/1969
Basel Chamber Orchestra; Paul Sacher, conductor
World première performance, recorded live at Radio Basel in March 1970.
Production information
Musica Helvetica MH 35. Contemporary Swiss Music. André-François Marescotti and Conrad Beck. Produced 1976 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen.
Background information
Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. “Musica Helvetica” explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.
In compliance with the JTI standards
More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.