Carus concludes their traversal of Heinrich Schutz’s music with a collection of secular compositions. Schutz was primarily known for his sacred compositions, which influenced generations of Protestant composers (especially in Germany). This release features secular madrigals and wedding music that show a different aspect of Schutz. Schutz studied in Venice as a young man. The […]
CD Review
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Albert Lortzing Opera Overtures – Light-hearted Enjoyment
At one time, Albert Lortzing was one of the most-performed opera composers in Germany. His light-hearted Spieloper (light opera) scores were standard fare in the 19th Century. Lortzing’s style bridges the gap between Carl Maria von Weber and Franz von Suppé. These overtures have the clarity of Weber’s writing and the bustling energy of von Suppé. These […]
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Friedrich Benda Viola Concertos Delightful Discoveries
Friedrich Benda came from a distinguished musical family and was a noted violinist and violist. So it’s not surprising that his viola concertos are well-crafted examples of Classical Period form. In general form, these works reminded me of Haydn’s string concertos. They have a similar air of elegance about them. Bernard Labadie is renowned for […]
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Joseph Marx Nature Trilogy a Welcome Reissue
It’s nice to see this Joseph Marx recording back in print. It was originally released by Avie in 2003. Marx actively opposed Schoenberg and his followers. He very strongly believed in the power of tonal music. Marx was a major figure in Vienna, and his music was frequently performed. After World War II, his compositions […]
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In Crescendo – Consonant Chamber Music for the 21st Century
This release is the result of an international competition for consonant chamber music. The works are all set in a tonal framework, but there’s nothing trite or conventional about them. These are all compositions of substance. Andreas Foivos Apostolou’s “Metamorphoses for Piano Solo” starts off the program. This Grecian composer’s work uses polyrhythms and chord […]
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Trio Vitruvi Joyfully Perform Schubert Trios
A long journey can seem shorter if it’s done with people you enjoy. Schubert’s Piano Trio in E-flat major, D.929 is such a journey. And it was one made all the better with the Trio Vitruvi. This release is the trio’s debut recording. And it’s a well-chosen one. The youthful Trio Vitruvi approach Schubert’s 50-minute […]
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Alessandro Rolla Viola Concertos Not Fully Served
Alessandro Rolla, a contemporary of Mozart, was perhaps the greatest violist of his age. And he was a pretty good violinist, too. After all — he taught Paganini. As was the practice of the time, Rolla the composer wrote concertos for Rolla the virtuoso to take on tour. This release includes two of those viola […]
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Ruth Gipps Symphonies — Old Fashioned? Well-crafted!
The 21st Century seems to be the time for the re-discovery of women composers. Obscurity could result from many factors. Some careers were frustrated by societal conventions, as with Amy Beach. Sometimes race was the issue, as with Florence Price. In the case of Ruth Gipps, it seemed to have been something not uncommon with […]
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Steve Elcock Orchestral Music – A Fresh Voice Finally Heard
It’s an old story. Many composers write “for the drawer.” That is, they create music with no expectation of performance. And, for the most part, the drawer is where this music belongs. That’s not the case with Steve Elcock. Primarily self-taught, Elcock has been quietly writing — and storing away — his music since the […]