ALC 0141 Late Romantic Swiss Flute Sounds

This recording explores the late-Romantic flute repertoire through works by two Swiss composers: Joseph Lauber (1864–1952) and Othmar Schoeck (1886–1957). Lauber, born in Ruswil and trained in Zurich, Munich, and Paris, combined the influences of German Romanticism and French Impressionism, while remaining faithful to tonal music. A professor and conductor in Geneva, he composed several works for flute inspired by his friend, amateur flutist Paul Hagemann, known for his technical skill.
Among these works, the Dance Suite in the Old Style (ca. 1930) recalls Baroque forms (Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue, Gavotte, Bourrée) with personal flair and refinement. The Partita op. 51 (ca. 1949) for solo flute pays homage to Bach, alternating dances such as Pastorale, Sarabande, Minuet, and Saltarello, blending dynamic contrasts with Baroque style. The Grande Sonate op. 53 (1937) is considered his chamber music masterpiece: structured in three movements (Patetico, Pastorale, Burlesco), it merges lyricism, rich harmonies, and Debussy-like influences with technical virtuosity.
Schoeck, born in Brunnen and a student of Max Reger in Leipzig, was active in Zurich as a composer, conductor, and accompanist. He is best known for his vocal works and operas, such as Penthesilea. His Sonata op. 16 (1908/09), originally written for violin and dedicated to violinist Stefi Geyer, is performed here on the flute. The lyrical writing, rubato indications, and references to Bach make it an expressive and dynamic piece.
The program also includes the Albumblatt WoO 70, a short, tender piece composed for Geyer in 1908, revealing a more intimate side of Schoeck. Both composers, with distinct styles, enriched the flute repertoire by combining expressive depth with technical sophistication.