For his third CD on NEOS, Martin Herchenröder has compiled various works for flutes and string instruments. All of them are world-premiere recordings.

The central position of The Tempest for flute and guitar (1992) on this CD, an "imaginary theatre after William Shakespeare", reflects strikingly on Martin Herchenröder's artistic identity. Here we find, on the one hand, his deep rooting in European cultural history, manifested also in his thorough training in that musical tradition, and on the other hand his openness to literary sources of inspiration, which he transforms into autonomous sounds.

In the other works – Rubaiyat for flutes and piano (2020), Terzattacke for flute (2009), Waves for flute and organ (2022), Greek Blessing for guitar (2013), Sekundenschlaf for alto flute (2013), Orion for cello and organ (2018) as well as the First String Quartet, Poems and Variations (2001/2006) – Herchenröder sets foot on entirely different terrain. These are not based on any literary reference points, but on abstract phenomena or fleeting impressions that etch themselves into Herchenröder's mind, move him or stimulate his sonic imagination.

The works were recorded by first-class performers such as flautist Carin Levine, cellist Friedrich Gauwerky, guitarist Jürgen Ruck and the Kuss Quartet. Martin Herchenroder himself participates as pianist and organist.