Frank Martins Musical Reflections On Death

the long version

Frank Martin (1890-1974)the greatest Swiss composer besides Arthur Honegger spent two periods of his life intensely reflecting on death: the decade centered in World War II and the half-decade before his own passing at the age of 84. The resulting nine compositions are internationally recognized as featuring among Martin's masterpieces. In terms of their spiritual approach they each address the subject of death from a different angle. Far from morbid or dejected in his attitude Martin uses his very expressive musical language to ponder the many ways in which humans seek to understand the finitude of their earthly lives [Publisher description].