Paul Wranitzky Symphonies Age Well
By Ralph Graves
This is the second release of Wranitzky symphonies by the NDR Radiophilharmonie. This time, Rolf Gupta conducts.
Some sources suggest Wranitzky studied with Haydn. These performances really make the case. The works have the same elegant sound and balanced structure as Haydn’s.
This is despite their late date. Wranitsky composed two of these three symphonies in 1806. Beethoven had already premiered his Third Symphony. His fourth would premier that same year. Compared to those, Wranitzky’s symphonies seem a little old-fashioned.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth a listen. Wranitzky is a master craftsman. Not a single note is out of place. Each symphony is an elegantly constructed masterpiece.
The NDR Radiophilharmonie plays with enthusiastic precision Every line sounds clean and clear. These are performances I really enjoyed.
Wranitzky wrote 56 symphonies, so there’s still a lot of ground to cover. But if Haydn liked them (and he did), then perhaps they deserve a listen or two. I’m ready for the next installment!
Paul Wranitzky: Symphonies opp. 37, 50, and 51
NDR Radiophilharmonie; Rolf Gupta, conductor
CPO
