This is what I like about Toccata Classics. They don’t just do a single release of a composer I’ve never heard of — they do a whole series. And their instincts are usually spot on. In this case, the composer is Hermann Graedener (1844-1929). In his early years, he was a colleague and friend of […]
Orchestral music
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BBC Philharmonic give George Antheil its best
Chandos’ third installment in their George Antheil series features works from a variety of sources. It includes his Symphony No. 1 and several shorter works. To my ears, Antheil’s first symphony, “Zingareska,” is the least successful of his six. John Storgårds and the BBC Philharmonic give it their best. Their performance is first-rate. The underlying […]
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Postwar masterpieces from Havergal Brian
Havergal Brian’s reputation these days rests on his first symphony — a record-breaker in size and scope. Thanks to recordings like this one, a more balanced picture of this British composer emerges. The New Russia State Symphony Orchestra directed by Alexander Walker may be far from London, but they manage to capture the inherent Englishness […]
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Karl Weigl Symphony No. 1 just shy of Mahler
As I listened to Symphony No. 1 by Karl Weigl, two descriptions came to mind — post-romantic, pre-Mahler. That last impression isn’t historically accurate. Weigl’s symphony premiered in 1908; Mahler’s Eighth Symphony was completed the year before. And yet stylistically, that was my impression. Karl Weigl, like Gustav Mahler, was a pupil of Robert Fuchs. […]
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British Tone Poems, Vol. 2 delivers on quality
This volume of British Tone Poems features outstanding works by lesser-known composers and lesser-known works by outstanding composers. Either way, it’s a win-win for the listener, especially with these performances. Rumon Gamba and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales deliver beautiful and insightful performances of a mixed bag of music. This round features two world-premiere […]
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Symphony Orchestra of Liechtenstein marks anniversary with Rheinberger
The Symphony Orchestra of Liechtenstein marks the 300th anniversary of their country in a unique fashion. They released a recording by one of Liechtenstein’s most prominent composers, Josef Rheinberger. In the late 1800s, Rheinberger was an important composer, teacher, and organist. Today he’s primarily known for his organ works, which remain in the repertoire. His […]
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Leshnoff: Symphony gives voice to the VIOLINS of HOPE
Jonathan Leshnoff is a talented composer. And his fourth symphony is a well-constructed work. It has engaging themes, nicely shaped melodies, and a fresh take on tonality. But for me, it didn’t have the desired effect. The liner notes explain the concept of the work in great detail. The project Violins for Hope refurbishes instruments […]
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Oliver Triendl connects with Reizenstein Concerto
When it comes to piano concertos, Franz Reizenstein is best remembered for his “Concerto Populaire,” his contribution to the Hoffnung Festivals. The 1961 Piano Concerto No. 2 is more serious, but in both, I hear a desire to connect with the audience. Reizenstein premiered the work at the keyboard. There’s plenty for the pianist to […]
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Walter Braunfels Fantastical Apparitions a Sonic Thrill Ride
The seventh release in Capriccio’s Walter Braunfels series features two important compositions — his massive set of Berlioz variations, and his final orchestral work. The “Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz” (Fantastical Apparitions Of a Theme by Hector Berlioz) took three years to complete. Clocking in at just over 50 minutes, “Apparitions” is as […]