Paul Wranitzky: symphonies

Description

‘’Paul Wranitzky : Symphonies’’ is an exceptional recording that highlights a nearly forgotten master of the first Viennese school: Paul Wranitzky (1756-1808). In their first recording for dhm, the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin pays tribute to this influential figure who was also a conductor and a famous violinist in his time. An Austrian composer of Moravian origin, he settled in Vienna in search of opportunities in the Austrian capital. From 1790, he conducted both orchestras of the royal theater and was highly respected by Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. Wranitzky was a prolific composer. His output includes ten operas, 44 symphonies, at least 56 string quartets, and a large amount of other orchestral and chamber music. His opera “Oberon, König der Elfen” served as a model for Mozart's “Die Zauberflöte.” The Symphony in C minor, Op. 31 “Grande sinfonie caractéristique” by Wranitzky with the epithet “La Paix” is a captivating work illustrating the wars after the French Revolution, echoing the music of march and battle. The Symphony in D major Op. 36 has a heroic and festive character and evokes thoughts of Eastern Europe. The Symphony in D minor “La Tempesta” pays homage to the forces of nature with storm, rain, lightning, and thunder, expressed through demanding orchestration.