George Enescu’s earliest compositions were for violin and piano. And by early, I mean age five. Enescu was one of Romania’s most talented (and precocious) musicians. He distinguished himself both as a violinist and a composer. Enescu’s sole violin concerto was composed in 1896 when he was 15. It was designed to be a magnum […]
CPO
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Ferdinand Ries Quartets Build on Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven only accepted two composition students: Ferdinand Ries, and Carl Czerny. Ries worked closely with Beethoven during his tenure. Ries served as personal assistant and music copyist. Both those roles — plus his lessons — gave him a thorough grounding as a composer. And a thorough grounding in Beethoven’s style. Ries soon established […]
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August Eberhard Muller Flute Concerto Series continues strong
In his day, August Eberhard Müller had an impressive career. He gave his first performance at the organ when he was just eight years old. He later studied organ with Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach, son of Johann Sebastian. In 1804, he was named to J.S.Bach’s old post of Thomaskantor, Leipzig. He was also the principal […]
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Czerny Anleitung zum Fantasieren a unique recording
Anleitung zum Fantasieren is kind of an odd release. The music here is invaluable. As a listening experience, it can be problematic. But if you’re open to it, also a rewarding one. Carl Czerny’s Op. 200 is titled a Systematic Introduction to Improvisation on the Pianoforte. It’s a practical how-to manual. In it, Czerny lays […]
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Louis Glass Symphony No. 4 – Big (but not bad)
Danish composer Louis Glass studied with Niels Gade. While at the Brussels Conservatory, he came under the influence of Anton Bruckner. If nothing else, Bruckner’s symphonies encouraged Glass to think big. Glass’ Symphony No. 4 runs a little short of an hour. The four-movement work is big, but not sprawling. The material simply needs a lot […]
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Felice Giardini and Johann Christian Bach – more alike than different
The title of this release, “The Courts of Turin and London,” suggests contrast. It implies a vast difference between the music of Italy and England in the 1760s. But the liner notes explore the similarities and cultural ties between the two cities. And the two composers represented even more so. Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782) worked […]
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Kölner Akademie’s Telemann Easter Cantatas Highly Recommended
Let’s be clear. This is a mere sampling of Georg Philipp Telemann’s output for Easter. After all, he composed Easter cantatas and oratorios for about sixty years. And often more than one for a specific date. This release focuses on works composed during the 1720s. Telemann was in his 30s, working in Frankfurt. He was the city’s […]
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Eduard Franck Piano Concertos Receive Their Due
Eduard Franck was a pianist and composer, active in the late 1800s. He studied with Felix Mendelssohn. Franck then went on to have a successful career as a concert pianist and pedagogue. Robert Schumann thought highly of his music. So why isn’t it better known? Franck was something of a perfectionist and continually tinkered with […]
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Amy Beach Works for Piano Duo Twice as Nice
Everything is relative. This release features music by a relatively obscure composer. Further, it features a relatively obscure part of her catalog. The result is a program of exceptionally well-crafted music. Music that reveals new depths with repeated listening. I wish Amy Cheney Beach was as familiar with audiences as other 20th Century composers. Her […]