Producer Manfred Eicher began his collaboration with violinist Gidon Kremer in the early days of Lockenhaus. Kremer founded the festival in 1981, and soon after, they began recording the festival's musical performances. This led to the creation of the "Edition Lockenhaus" in 1985 as part of the ECM New Series.
These recordings are fascinating for several reasons. Particularly noteworthy is the opportunity to experience outstanding chamber musicians of our time in the early stages of their careers alongside Gidon Kremer. Among the numerous artists closely associated with ECM today are names such as Kim Kashkashian, Thomas Zehetmair, Thomas Demenga, Robert Levin, and Heinz Holliger.
"The artistic atmosphere in Lockenhaus quickly brings everyone together to speak the same language," emphasizes Gidon Kremer. To mark the 30th anniversary of this unique chamber music festival in the Austrian village of Lockenhaus, ECM released a five-CD box set. This contains recordings from 1981 to 1986 and was accompanied by a 60-page booklet.