Rheinberger Overture 'Demetrius', Op.110

[Alan Howe]

Here's a fun piece, dating from 1878:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PwcaR4UOFY

From this 2-CD reissue:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7989094--rheinberger-symphonic-works

[terry martyn]

I have it! And, somehow, it's not been plagiarised !

[Alan Howe]

I have it! And, somehow, it's not been plagiarised !

...as far as we know!

[John Boyer]

I had hoped to publish it as my "...And the Gladiators" Overture, Op. 837, but now the cat is out of the bag. 

Somehow I missed this when it first came out (I have the Wallenstein/Sieben Raben disc), but it's now on order. 

[Alan Howe]

I had hoped to publish it as my "...And the Gladiators" Overture, Op. 837, but now the cat is out of the bag.

I would have let you have the address of a man who could help, but he's been six feet under since 1971 

[John Boyer]

So, what do you find appealing about it?  Hopefully I'll find out for myself soon. The only other overture I know is "Die Sieben Raben", which I like very much. 

[Alan Howe]

I like the way he contrasts more lyrical writing with, for example, the storm he whips up a few minutes in and at the close. Just as you think that this is music 'without teeth', he proves us wrong. He also has a few good tunes.

[John Boyer]

Demetrius arrived and I agree with your assessment, which sums it up well.  My only quibble was his excessive use of cymbals and bass drum.  It reminded me too much of Italian opera overtures -- Berlioz's criticism of this practice comes to mind. If you must include them, save them for a few key whacks, like Barber does in "The School for Scandal". 

[Alan Howe]

Glad you like it, John. I think his two symphonies (Wallenstein; Florentiner) are fine pieces, each with memorable material. They're a bit like Bruch with added piquancy. Something do with being from exotic-sounding Vaduz in Liechtenstein, maybe?

[John Boyer]

I will revisit the symphonies soon.  Though we are straying off topic, this thread has revived my interest in Mr R.  Last night I listened to the Horn Sonata and the String Quintet, and browsing the record shelf reminded me of all his fine choral music.  Do you know his mass for eight-part chorus, or his setting of Psalm 84?  Great stuff. 

[Alan Howe]

No, I've never delved far into his choral music - thanks for the recommendation.

[John Boyer]

You'll enjoy them, I think.  I'm referring to the Mass in E-flat (Cantus Missae), Op. 109, and "Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen", Op. 35.

Now, off to Demetrius again.
---

Addendum: and, having listened to it three times this morning, I now like it as is: bass drum, cymbals, descending chromatic scales, and all.  Well done, Joe!

[eschiss1]

I like the quintets, 3rd piano trio (apparently once very often played) and violin sonatas especially myself. Thanks for the recommendation!

(And his once-popular piano quartet - I have the Thorofon version- appeals too )

[John Boyer]

Is there an online score available? I did not see one at IMSLP. 

[Alan Howe]

Thanks to your advocacy, John, I have ordered the 10-CD set of Rheinberger's choral music on Carus:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00WFKXTFG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Excerpts/download here:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8065853--rheinberger-sacred-vocal-music

As it happens Carus publishes his Demetrius Overture too:
https://www.carus-verlag.com/en/music-scores-and-recordings/josef-gabriel-rheinberger-overture-to-schiller-s-demetrius-5011000.html