jmc's classics
I have recently purchased some new CDs. One is that of the Third, fourth and Seventh symphonies of Franz Krommer (1759-1831). He was a Czech composer. During his lifetime, he was considered to be a strong rival to Beethoven. However, soon after his death his popularity faded. Like J.S. Bach, his music became forgotten after his death. He has been remembered mainly for his Clarinet Concerto (Opus#36) of whihc there are six versions available. he also wrote several other pieces for clarinet and for other wind instruments.
Two reasons sited for his obscurity is that he was eclipsed by Beethoven and the spelling of his name. Sometimes it is "Krommer" the German spelling of "Kramer" the Czech spelling. He lived in Hungary. he served as a violinist in the court orchestra of the Duke of Styria and as a choir master at the Catholic cathedral in Pecs which is in Hungary. Krommer was trained as both a violinist and an organist. He was a younger contemporary of Mozart. The Classical period in music which is roughly between 1740-1830 is dominated by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. It is called the "Classical Period" because there was at that time an increased interest in classical Greek and Roman culture. I am still listening to the symphonies. The fourth (Opus #102) is the one that is the most popular. It is in four movements: Largo, Adagio, Menuetto: Allegreto and Allegro, The fifth (Opus #105) is divided iin to four movements: Adagio, andante Menuetto: Allegretto and Allegro moderato. The seventh which does not have an opus number is in G minor and divided in to: Largo, Adagio, Menuetto and Adagio. It haver did not appear in print. an autograph score dates from 1824. All three works last around 25 minutes. I have heard Krommer's Clarinet concerto a few times over the past few years. Krommer also wrote several religious works. The CD is on the CPO label which is a German label. They have released a lot of CDs if obscure composers. It Features the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana which is in Italian orchestra which had its beginnings in 1935. It is conducted by Howard Griffiths. I applaud the CPO label for making CDs of some of the music of obscure composers and obscure wroks by not so obscure composers.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
May 2024
Categories |