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 […]
Orchestral music
-
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
Moyzes Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2 – Welcome Reissues
In the olden days, Naxos released mid-priced basic repertoire recordings under their own name and more esoteric music under full-priced Marco Polo (“the label of discovery”). It’s always good when Marco Polo title are rereleased under the Naxos label. It exposes the music to a wider potential audience, as Naxos’ lower prices encourage listeners to […]
-
Florent Schmitt Symphony No. 2 “busy for everyone”
Florent Schmitt extracted two orchestral suites from his ballet “Antoine et Cléopâtre.” Stylistically, the score bears a strong resemblance to Ravel’s “Daphnis et Chloé” (also from a ballet). The touches of orientalism and sometimes gooey harmonies remind me more of Richard Strauss’ “Salome.” Sakari Oramo and the BBC Symphony seem to relish the rich texture […]
-
Johann Brandl Symphonies — Music in Transition
Although mostly unknown today, Johann Evangelist Brandl was a well-respected composer and violinist at the turn of the 19th Century. His Op. 17 string quartets were dedicated to Haydn. In his later years, he was first violinist of the ducal orchestra in Karlsruhe. He eventually became the orchestra’s music director, working under kapellmeister Franz Danzi. […]
-
Franz Schreker: On Eternal Life, et al. – sensual orchestral music
Franz Schreker is best remembered for his operas. But his melodic gifts and innovative harmonies extended to his orchestral work as well. This release presents a variety of Schreker’s concert works, spanning his creative life. “Ekkehard” Symphonic Overture, Op. 12 and Fantastic Overture, Op. 15 were written at the turn of the 20th Century. Schreker’s […]
-
Chandos Release of Arriaga – Mozart with a smile
If you’re not familiar with Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, this release is an excellent introduction. Arriaga was dubbed the “Spanish Mozart,” and with good reason. Like Mozart, he had a natural facility for the piano, and for composition. And like Mozart, he died young. Arriaga wrote his opera “Los esclavos felices” when he was fourteen. […]