Marco Pütz gained international recognition after winning awards for his compositions in the mid-1990s. Accessibility and enjoyment for both audiences and musicians are a central element in Pütz’s music, and he is renowned for numerous symphonic, wind band and chamber works that have become standard repertoire throughout the world. Euphonia’s Voice is part of an exploration of lesser-known instruments, and the virtuoso contrasts of joy and grief in Chapters of Life are always at the service of expressiveness – the power of love, life and the commemoration of those close to us forming a theme throughout much of this superb programme.

With an ever-increasing catalogue of recordings and a busy performance schedule, Marco Pütz’s music is a success story that would be the envy of most contemporary composers. This release follows on from a first volume in this Naxos edition of new music from Luxembourg released in March 2021 (8579059), a recording that generated a good deal of interest and acclaim in reviews. Fanfare described it as an ‘outstanding disc, with clear sound engineering that picks up the subtleties and clarity of each score.’

Conductor Alexander Merzyn has performed with numerous orchestras in Europe and Asia, acquiring a repertoire that ranges from the Baroque to the present day. He has been general music director at the Staatstheater Cottbus since 2020.

The Philharmonic Orchestra of the Cottbus State Theatre can look back on more than 100 years of history as an opera and concert institution. The orchestra’s concerts occupy a central position in its activities, with programmes ranging from the standard repertoire to music of the 20th and 21st centuries. Guest soloists have included outstanding artists such as Sabine Meyer, Tzimon Barto, Viviane Hagner, and the Arditti Quartet.