THE SEVEN STARS’ SYMPHONY – CHARLES KOECHLIN / SINFONIEORCHESTER BASEL / ARIANE MATIAKH

Charles Koechlin’s orchestral music may have been overshadowed by his chamber works in the past, but this captivating album by the Sinfonieorchester Basel, under the direction of conductor Ariane Matiakh, proves that his orchestral pieces are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Featuring two stunning compositions, “The Seven Stars” Symphony and “Vers la voûte étoilée,” this record brings to light Koechlin’s brilliance and offers a delightful listening experience.

At the heart of this collection lies “The Seven Stars” Symphony, an imaginative and evocative masterpiece that astoundingly weaves together celestial movie stars of the past. Contrary to its celestial name, the “stars” in question are the iconic movie legends: Douglas Fairbanks, Lilian Harvey, Greta Garbo, Clara Bow, Marlene Dietrich, Emil Jannings, and the whimsical Charlie Chaplin. Each star receives a distinct and vivid characterization, capturing their essence and personalities through the music. The lively and perky “It Girl” portrayal of silent cinema’s charm or the icy and distant rendition of Greta Garbo both showcase Koechlin’s exceptional ability to depict individual personalities through his musical language. What’s even more intriguing is how Koechlin cleverly structures some of these variations based on the letters in the stars’ names, adding a creative layer to the symphony’s concept.

“The Seven Stars” Symphony resonates beautifully with any film event, making it an ideal companion for multimedia performances. Furthermore, its accessibility to a wide audience is a testament to Koechlin’s masterful composition style, which can be enjoyed by both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The symphony’s emotional depth, coupled with its imaginative storytelling, ensures a captivating journey through the golden age of cinema.

The album concludes with the rich and mesmerizing tone poem, “Vers la voûte étoilée” (“Toward the Starry Vault”). This piece, akin to a celestial dreamscape, exhibits Koechlin’s affinity for impressionistic colors and textures. It bears a kinship to the works of Debussy, allowing for a seamless pairing in a concert program. Through the skillful interpretation of the Sinfonieorchester Basel, the performance is precise and subtly radiant, immersing listeners in the wondrous cosmic journey painted by Koechlin’s musical brush.

Special mention should be made of the Capriccio label’s exceptional sound engineering, which beautifully captures the orchestra’s artistry within the resonant walls of the Basel Stadtcasino. It comes as no surprise that this album has climbed the classical best-seller charts, as it unveils Koechlin’s genius and provides a truly enriching and delightful listening experience for all classical music enthusiasts. A major find indeed, and a must-have addition to any music collection.