ECM Records
ECM Records is a German independent label founded in 1969 by Karl Egger, Manfred Eicher and Manfred Scheffner in Munich. Best known for jazz, it also produces discs of classical and world music, and recordings which blur the distinction between genres. A famous example is Jan Garbarek's 1994 album Officium which combines saxophone solos with the Hilliard Ensemble singing early music. ECM is an acronym for 'Edition of Contemporary Music'.
In 1984 ECM New Series was created to document Western classical music and has released works from early to contemporary music.
Further information: ecmrecords.com
A selection of articles about ECM Records
CD Spotlight. Awakening the Joy for Life - Béla Hartmann is impressed by music for clarinet and piano by Brahms and Widmann played by Jörg Widmann and András Schiff. 'In every respect this is a superb CD, combining playing of the highest craft and musical understanding with great works of the past, as well as new contributions which are likely to become established regulars in the modern piano repertoire.'
CD Spotlight. Formidable Hurdles - Music by George Rochberg, heard by Howard Smith. '... an eloquent performance, effectively recorded.'
CD Spotlight. Powerfully Atmospheric - Arvo Pärt's Symphony No 4, heard by Patric Standford. '... calm, simple and strong.'
CD Spotlight. Elegaic Melancholy - A new recording from Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble, exceeds Howard Smith's highest expectations. '... beyond criticism ...'