WGBH Radio WGBH Radio theclassicalstation.org

Wranitzky: Chamber Music Vol 1 / Ensemble Cordia


Release Date: 04/24/2012 
Label:  Brilliant Classics   Catalog #: 94168  
Composer:  Anton Wranitzky
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Cordia Ensemble
Number of Discs: 1 
Recorded in: Stereo 
In Stock: Usually ships in 24 hours.  

Notes and Editorial Reviews

Although Anton Wranitzky (1761–1820) may not be a household name to listeners today, this skilled composer was one of the central figures of Viennese musical life at the turn of the 18th century. Like his teacher Haydn, he was a recipient of Prince Franz Joseph Maximilian Lobkowitz’s patronage and support. As Kapellmeister and composer for the prince’s court ensemble,Wranitzky was at the forefront of Vienna’s musical culture, and it was in this position that he led the first private performances of Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ and ‘Pastoral’ symphonies, among others. Later in his career he became orchestral director of the main theatres in Vienna, although the patronage that he had relied on dwindled later in his career, as Lobkowitz and other Read more supporters experienced financial difficulties.

Wranitzky’s chamber music reveals a voice of some individuality.The two works on this disc are scored for fascinating but rather unusual combinations of instruments, possibly in response to the musicians employed at the prince’s court: the Quintet in E flat features the grouping of one violin, two violas and two cellos, and the Sextet in G is scored for two each of violins, violas and cellos. In both works, the unusual sonorities that these combinations create are explored imaginatively, while Wranitzky’s approach to texture, theme and structure shows him to have been a composer of great skill and originality.

OTHER INFORMATION:
• World premiere recordings.
• Includes booklet notes.
• Period performance practice. Read less

Works on This Recording

1. Quintet for Strings in E flat major, Op. 8 no 3 by Anton Wranitzky
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Cordia Ensemble
Period: Classical 
2. Sextet for Strings in G major by Anton Wranitzky
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Cordia Ensemble
Period: Classical 

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review:  ( 1 Customer Review )
 Surpassing Beauty June 12, 2012 By Anthony G. (valley stream, NY) See All My Reviews "Such beguiling and bewitching music like this, just makes me itch to listen to future collections/volumes. Something would be wrong with a Baroque enthusiast who would not relish Wranitzky and his compositions. Don't ignore this cd. You'd do so at your own regret" Report Abuse
Review This Title
Review This Title Share on Facebook