Born in Zug, Reto Bieri was significantly influenced by Swiss folk music during his childhood. After initial musical experiences in the realm of traditional music, he began his studies at the Basel Academy of Music before continuing his education at the renowned Juilliard School in New York. Bieri feels a particularly strong connection to contemporary music, with close collaboration with composers forming a central aspect of his artistic work. Nearly all the works included on this album were created in direct exchange with the respective composers. The result is an outstanding collection of new clarinet music that sets a benchmark for both musicians and audiences. The repertoire includes, among others, "Lied" by Luciano Berio, Heinz Holliger's "Contrechant" and "Rechant," "Gra" by Elliott Carter, Salvatore Sciarrino's "Lass mich sterben, bevor ich erwache" (Let me die before I awaken), "Derwischtanz" (Dervish Dance) by Péter Eötvös, and Gergely Vajda's "Lichtschatten-Beben" (Light-Shadow-Tremble).
