Anja Lechner
Lontano
On Lontano, Anja Lechner (cello) and François Couturier (piano) expand the expressive horizons of the duo format, weaving a tapestry of original compositions, improvisations, and deeply personal interpretations. Recorded at Sendesaal Bremen and produced by Manfred Eicher, the album draws inspiration from a remarkable array of sources-echoes of Bach, the folk laments of Argentina, the lyricism of Henri Dutilleux, the cinematic touch of Anouar Brahem, and the haunting minimalism of Giya Kancheli.
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After the Last Sky
Eight years after Blue Maqams, Anouar Brahem returns with a poignant project, titled after a line of verse by poet Mahmoud Darwish, which asks “Where should the birds fly, after the last sky?” Graceful chamber pieces for oud, cello, piano and bass subtly address the metaphysical question and its broad resonances in a troubled time. While drawing upon the traditional modes of Arab music, Brahem has consistently sought to engage with the wider world, too, and found inspiration in many sources from…