Etienne Crausaz

Tales & Legends

This three-movement work by the Swiss composer Etienne Crausaz reflects three true stories and fascinating legends from the Middle Ages. The first movement tells the dramatic story of the 'witch' Catherine 'Catillon' Repond (1662-1731). She was the last woman ever to be executed for sorcery. In the second movement, the famous court jester Girard Chalamala occupies centre stage. This jester, the last one at the castle of Count Greyerz, could make everyone laugh. The third movement tells the story of Count Michael. He went down in history as a spendthrift bon-vivant. His burden of debt became so high that he did a moonlight flit and never came back!