Unsung Composers

Albert Becker (1834-1899), on the evidence of the little I've heard of his music, was a very fine composer. Two pieces that really are most attractive are his 10-minute long Concertstück, Op.66 (1893) for violin and orchestra (featuring some heart-stoppingly romantic writing - a bit like Bruch on steroids) and his shorter Scherzo, Op.47 for the same forces. Both are recorded on this CD:
http://www.amazon.de/Violinkonzerte-Christine-Raphael/dp/B000027A2U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346424552&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.de/Violinkonzerte-Christine-Raphael/dp/B000027A2U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346424552&sr=8-1)
Incidentally, Becker was the grandfather of composer Günter Raphael - which probably explains why the latter's daughter is the soloist in the abovementioned CD (although it also contains a Sinfonische Fantasie by her father).

Doesn't he have a couple of full-scale violin concertos in his oeuvre as well?

That's Reinhold Becker (1842-1924).

Any relation?  :)

Nope. It's a really common surname. It means 'Baker', of course.

Indeed- at least three string-playing (I think) Becker composers in the Romantic era, and an American composer (somewhat Hindemithian in general approach?) in the 20th century too, if memory serves, so at -least- 4 semi-noteworthy Beckers - Hofmeister 1829-1900 lists more composing Beckern? still... ;)

Albert Becker also wrote some chamber music (a piano quartet and quintet, both earlier (1880s - it seems that Becker, though his published works begin in the 1860s or so, may have only started using opus numbers in the late 1870s or early 1880s?)..., are at IMSLP, as is what seems to be the 7th in a series of "Adagios Religioso", this one for violin, cello and organ (or piano), published 1898 - looks nice, I think...)

(Yes, Reinhold Becker's A minor violin concerto was published in 1876. Early work.)

Has anyone viewed the Piano Quartet or Piano Quintet at IMSLP?

Quote from: Alan Howe on Friday 31 August 2012, 22:30
Has anyone viewed the Piano Quartet or Piano Quintet at IMSLP?

I hadn't until you threw down the gauntlet, Alan.  I looked through the Piano Quintet because it's the later piece (1887) and I must say that I was impressed.  He obviously knew how to write effectively for that combination of instruments, keeping the textures clear, open and well-balanced. The opening movement, in compound time, has a persistent dotted motif which is rather Schumannesque; the modulations of the development section are well-judged, carefully placed, and sometimes take one in unexpected directions which helps to construct an interesting architecture.  The finale starts out in rumbustious mood but it's not all sound and fury and has well-contrasted episodes.

However, to me the real gem is the long-breathed central Adagio which has an absolutely glorious melody with a hint of Dvořák about it although its development reminded me somewhat more of Hermann Goetz and the decoration foreshadows  Richard Strauss' Violin Sonata (which was written the following year).  It's a piece that's very well worth reviving, I'd say.  I'll try to find time to look at the Piano Quartet tomorrow.

Sometimes the discussions one here inspire me to go and just buy stuff, which is what I have just done with the Becker CD.  :) It is, incidentally, slightly cheaper on Amazon UK than on DE.

I do agree with Alan's assessment of the two short works for violin and orchestra with which Alan began this thread. Fine works which whet the appetite for more. I'm not sure how much more there is, though. Although it was a symphony by Becker's (he wrote three IIRC) which lost out to Raff's An das Vaterland in the Vienna competition of 1863, wasn't he primarily a choral composer for most of his career?

Thanks, Lionel, for your valuable insights. I greatly look forward to your assessment of the Piano Quartet...

Near as I can tell from HMB, it seems most of Albert Becker's published works are vocal (including choral, yes).

There are a couple of CDs available of his choral music:
http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/Albert-Becker-1834-1899-Geistliche-Chorwerke/hnum/7550184 (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/Albert-Becker-1834-1899-Geistliche-Chorwerke/hnum/7550184)
http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/Albert-Becker-1834-1899-Liturgische-Ges%E4nge-f%FCr-das-Kirchenjahr-op-46/hnum/4547560 (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/Albert-Becker-1834-1899-Liturgische-Ges%E4nge-f%FCr-das-Kirchenjahr-op-46/hnum/4547560)

Quote from: eschiss1 on Saturday 01 September 2012, 13:46
Near as I can tell from HMB, it seems most of Albert Becker's published works are vocal (including choral, yes).

Yes, I have Becker's (nearly) complete catalog (opp.1-96, except Opp. 2, 3 and 87), which includes 86 choral works and 63 or so songs, and 16 pieces for voices and orchestra; but I hesitate, since it appears all of the composer references have disappeared. Odd, since there were numerous romantic composers that I contributed to...

Also, curious that Alwyn is off-limits, since I see (hear) many similarities with Elgar, Bax, etc...

Alwyn's not a romantic composer, at least not in his serious music. Accessible, tonal, yes. But that's not sufficient any more. Please see our revised remit here: http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,3681.0.html (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,3681.0.html)
Also please note: the composer reference section (relating to more modern composers) is now located in our Archive here:
http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/board,11.0.html (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/board,11.0.html)
Otherwise, the catalogues relating to composers of the romantic era have been re-located to this, the Composers and Music section.
Regarding the uploading of new catalogues, we would like to stress that only complete (or near-complete) works lists are of interest to us now (not partial ones concentrating on particular aspects of a composer's output) and that some form of supporting biographical introduction would be welcome too.
Having said which, do upload what you have of Becker's catalogue. Could prove very interesting!

Quote from: Alan Howe on Saturday 01 September 2012, 23:14
Alwyn's not a romantic composer, at least not in his serious music. Accessible, tonal, yes. But that's not sufficient any more. Please see our revised remit here: http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,3681.0.html (http://www.unsungcomposers.com/forum/index.php/topic,3681.0.html)

Having said which, do upload what you have of Becker's catalogue. Could prove very interesting!

Hmm. Well, if there are no uploads, I don't see why this tonal, accessible composer could at least be discussed - no downloads are involved. It just doesn't set a good tone. People could be free to disagree about the extent to which he writes romantic music. For myself, I don't see hard and fast breaks from Elgar to Bantock/Bax to Rubbra, etc.

Anyway, here's Becker - sourced mostly from Hoffmeister, Grove's and various wiki articles:

Chamber
19   Piano Quartet in d minor   1881
20   Adagio (Cism.) f. V. u. Org.   1881
27   Adagio No. 2 (D) f. V. u. Pfte   1883
34   Neue Variationen uber ein altes Lied, Violin and Piano   1884
35   Phantasie in E, for violin and piano   1884
47.1   Ballade (Am.) f. V. m. Pfte.   1886
47.2   Scherzo for violin and piano   1886
49   Piano Quintet in Eb   1887
70   Adagio No. 3 (E) f. V. u. Pfte.   1893
80   Adagio No. 4 (C). Ausg. f. V. u. Pfte   1896
81   Adagio No. 5. (Dm.) f. V. m. Pfte.   1896
86   Adagio No. 6 (Am.) f. V. u. Pfte.    1896
94   Adagio religioso No. 7 (G) f. V. u. Pfte.   1898
94   Adagio religioso No. 7. (G) f. Streichquartett.   1899
95   Adagio No. 8 in c minor, for V and Pft   1899
96   Fantasiestück (G) f. Vcello m. Pfte.   1899

Opera
   Lorelei, opera (unfinished)

Orchestral
66   Concertstück (G) f. V. u. Orch.   1894
   Symphony in g minor   1859
   2 other symphonies?   

Keyboard
9   Präludium und Fuge d-Moll op. 9   
12   Magyaren-Klänge, Mazurka   1876
21   Präludium und Fuge a-Moll op. 21   1882
31   Fuge (Bb) f. Org.   1884
40   Piano Sonata in f minor   1885
52   Phantasie u. Fuge (Gm.) f. Org.   1887
54   Drei Fugen f. Org. (Doppelfuge (Am.). Tripelfuge (A). Doppelfuge m. Choral (Dm.)   1888

Vocal
1   6 Lieder f. 1 Singst. m. Pfte (No. 1. Blumengruss: ,,Den Strauss, den ich gepflücket". No. 2. ,,Du bist wie eine Blume". No. 3. Frühling u. Herbst: ,,Ich ging im Frühlingsgarten". No. 4. ,,Wenn sich zwei Herzen scheiden". No. 5. Das verlassne Mädchen: ,,Es steht eine Lind' im tiefen Thal". No. 6. Nähe u. Ferne: ,,Obgleich ich dir so nahe stand".)    
4   4 Lieder f. 1 Singst. m. Pfte. (No. 1. (MS. od. hoher Bar.) ,,Mein Herz ist mir worden auf einmal so stumm". No. 2. (A. od. Bar.). ,,Drüben geht die Sonne scheiden". No. 3. (A. od. Bar.), ,,Sonnenuntergang, schwarze Wolken ziehn". No. 4. (A. od. Bar.) ,,Ich hab' ihren Namen geschrieben".)    
5   Barcarole: ,,Kommt, lasst uns zusammen den Kahn besteigen" f. 3 Frauenst. (2 S. u. A.) m. Pfte.   
6   6 Lieder f. 1 Singst. m. Pfte. (No. 1. Ueber Berg und Thal: ,,Ich muss es seh'n". No. 2. Nach Norden: ,,Vöglein, wohin so schnell?" No. 3. Purpurrose: ,,Gestern noch welch' ein Tändeln und Gekose". No. 4. ,,Wohl waren es Tage der Sonne". No. 5. Kommen und Scheiden: ,,So oft sie kam". No. 6. Im Walde: ,,Im Walde hör' ich schallen".)   
7   5 Lieder f. 1 mittlere Singst. m. Pfte. Leipzig, Breitkopf & Härtel. No. 1. Liebesglück: ,,Da ich an deine Brust geschmieget". Mk 0,75. – 2. Verlornes Glück: ,,Oft ist mir wie im Traume". Mk 0,50. – 3. ,,Sie haben mich gequälet". Mk 0,50. – 4. Am Kreuzweg: ,,Am Kreuzweg ward begraben". Mk 0,50. – 5. Das Ende vom Lied: ,,Der Mond scheint auf die Strasse".   
8   5 Lieder f. 1 mittlere St. m. Pfte. (No. 1. Im Mai: ,,Musst nicht allein im Freien". No. 2. Zur Ruh: ,,Schau mich mit weinenden Augen nicht an". No. 3. Vor Jena: ,,Auf den Bergen die Burgen". No. 4. Im Herbst: ,,Die Blätter fallen". No. 5. Herbstlied: ,,Ueber's Feld, das kahle".)   
10   Sonntagsschulharfe. Liederbüchlein f. christl. Sonntags-Schulen. 3. Ausg. der unter demselben Titel erschienenen Liederbücher f. 2 Singst. m. Pfte (od. Harm.)   
11   Herz himmelwärts. Drei geistliche Lieder f. 1 (mittlere) Singst. u. Pfte. (No. 1. Advent: ,,Mache dich mein Herz bereit". No. 2. Weihnachtslied: ,,Zu Bethlehem im Krippelein". No. 3. Gott willkommen, Gottes Kind: ,,Wenn's auf Erden schneit und friert".)   1876
13   5 Lieder aus der Aventiure Der Rattenfänger von Hameln v. Wolff f. 1 (hohe) St. u. Pfte. (No. 1. ,,Lass mich dir sagen". No. 2. ,,Und wenn ich des Papstes Schlüssel trüg'". No. 3. ,,Rothhaarig ist mein Schätzelein". No. 4. ,,Steige auf, die goldne Sonne". No. 5. ,,Du rothe Rose auf grüner Haid'".)    1877
14   Waldtraut-Lieder. Fünf Lieder aus ,,Der wilde Jäger" v. Jul. Wolff, f. 1 Singst. m. Pfte. (No. 1. ,,Der Zaunpfahl trug ein Hütlein weiss". No. 2. ,,Neunerlei Blumen winde zum Kranz". No. 3. ,,Alle Blumen möcht' ich binden". No. 4. Wegewart: ,,Es wartet ein bleiches Jungfräulein". No. 5. ,,Im Grase thaut's".)   1878
15   4 Lieder u. Gesänge f. 1 mittlere Singst. m. Pfte. (No. 1. Die Abendglocken: ,,Beim Abendgang der Glockenklang". (deutsch u. engl.) No. 2. Der Regentag: ,,Der Tag ist kalt". (deutsch u. engl.) No. 3. Im Bann des Coelibats: ,,Wo heimlich der ruhelose". No. 4. Herbstlied: ,,Herz, wie wird's freudenleer".)   1880
16   Große Messe b-Moll op. 16 (1878)   1878
17   4 Lieder f. 1 Singst. m. Pfte. Berlin, Erler. No. 1. Nimm dich in Acht: ,,Du liebes, kleines Mägdelein". Mk 1. – 2. Der spröde Junge: ,,Ueber's Feld war ich gegangen". Mk 1. – 3. Blaublümelein: ,,Es blüh'n zwei blaue Blumen". Mk 1. – 4. Blauäugelein: ,,Schau ich in die Blauäugelein".   1881
18   Ringeltanz: ,,Nun ruft: Juchhe! mit Schalle", f. gem. Chor   1881
22   Pilgerlied: ,,Seh' ich dich vorüber ziehen" f. vierstimm. Chor, Bar.-Solo u. Pfte.   1882
23   Die Wallfahrt nach Kevlaar. Ballade f. Soli, Chor u. Orch.   1882
24   Frühlings Begräbniss: ,,Horch! vom Hügel welch ein sanfter Klang" f. gem. Chor u. Bar.-Solo m. Pfte.   1883
25   Psalm 62: ,,Meine Seele ist stille zu Gott" f. 1 mittlere Singst. u. Pfte (od. Org.)    1883
26   Geistlicher Dialog aus dem XVI. Jahrh. f. Chor u. A.-Solo m. Org.   1883
28   Reformationskantate op. 28 (1883)   1883
29   6 geistliche Lieder f. 4 Singst. (a capella) u. ein Hochzeitslied f. Soli, Chor u. Org. (No. 1. Nach einem Gebet aus dem X. Jahrh.: ,,Gott, dem es eigen ist." No. 2. ,,Ich hab' dich lieb". No. 3. ,,Lieber Vater lehre mich". No. 4. ,,Des Christen Schmuck und Ordensband". No. 5. ,,Erquicke mich mit deinem Licht". No. 6. ,,Ein Herz, dass kenn' und weiss ich". No. 7. Hochzeitslied: ,,So wandert denn vereint durch's Leben".)    1883
30   Luther-Hymnus zur Feier v. Luther's 400jähr. Geburtstag, f. Männerchor, Bar.-Solo u. Orch.   1883
32   2 Psalmen f. Chor (a capella). Part. u. St . 8. Leipzig, Br. & Härtel. No. 1. Psalm 147 (Vers 1–3): ,,Lobet den Hern", f. Doppelchor. Mk 3. – 2. Psalm 117: ,,Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden" f. vierstimm. Chor.    1884
33   Des Müllers Lust u. Leid (nach W. Müller) v. Albert Linge f. gem. Chor u. Soli, Orch. u. Pfte   1884
36   3 geistliche Lieder for SATB   1884
37   Der 23. Psalm: ,,Der Herr ist mein Hirte"   1885
38   Ballade f. 1 Singst. u. Pfte. Leipzig, Siegel. No. 1. Op. 38. Am Bodensee: ,,Am Bodensee, am Bodensee, da klagt eine Maid ihr tiefes Weh" f. Bar. (od. A.)   1885
39   Ballade f. 1 Singst. u. Pfte. Leipzig, Siegel. No. 2. – 39. Schön Margret u. Lord William: ,,Leb' wohl, meine süsse Margret" f. Bar.    1885
41   Männerchöre m. Orch. Leipzig, Siegel. Op. 41. Regen u. Sonne: ,,Trinken! Trinken! Alles trinket"   1886
42   Schnitter Tod: ,,Es ist ein Schnitter der heisst Tod". Ein altes Volkslied (1637)   1886
43   Vigilien: TTBB and orchestra   1886
44   5 Gesänge f. S., A., T. u. B. (besonders f. Chöre höherer Lehranstalten.) (No. 1. Unserm geliebten Kaiser: ,,Er ist mit dir gewesen". No. 2. ,,Im Frühling muss man wandern". No. 3. Einkehr: ,,Bei einem Wirthe, wundermild". No. 4. ,,Dich loben die Vögel". No. 5. ,,Im Wald, im schönen grünen Wald".)   1886
45   Salvum fac regem op. 45   1886
46   Liturgische Gesänge für das Kirchenjahr op. 46 (Motetten f. gem. Chor. 8. Berlin, Ries & Erler. No. 6. Weihnachtsmotette: ,,Fürchtet euch nicht". Part. Mk 0,80. St. Mk 1. – 7. Ev. Lucas 2, 29–32: ,,Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener im Frieden fahren". Part. Mk 0,60. St. Mk 0,40. – 8. Psalm 121, 4–8: ,,Siehe, der Hüter Israels schläft". Part. Mk 0,60. St. Mk 0,80. – 9. Jesaias 53, 4 u. 5: ,,Fürwahr, er trug unsre Krankheit". Part. Mk 0,60. St. Mk 0,80. – 10. Ostern: ,,Der Tod ist verschlungen")   1886
48   5 Lieder f. 1 mittlere Singst. m. Pfte. (No. 1. Auf Nimmerwiedersehn. ,,Ade mein liebes Herz". No. 2. Die wilde Rose: ,,Die wilde Rose an meinem Hut". No. 3. Weisst du wohl noch?: ,,Sei mir gegrüsst". No. 4. ,,Es steht ein alter Fliederbaum". No. 5. Der Besiegte: ,,Ich war hinausgezogen".)   1887
50   Cantate nach Worten der heiligen Schrift f. Chor, Soli u. Orch., zum Gestaktus der königl. Akademie der Künste am 90. Geburtstage des Kaisers u. Königs Wilhelm I.   1887
51   5 Geistliche Lieder u. Gesänge f. 1 Singst. m. Pfte. (No. 1. Gesang der Königin Maria v. Schottland: ,,Mein Gott und mein Vater" f. MS. No. 2. ,,Der Herr ist Meister" f. Bar. No. 3. Bitte: ,,O wie führ'st du so gelind" f. MS. (od. Bar.) No. 4. Du, Herr, bist unser Vater: ,,Mein Vater, ist reich" f. S. No. 5. Weiche nicht: ,,Siehe, alles in der Welt" f. Bar. (od. A.)   1887
53   6 Lieder u. Gesänge f. Chöre höherer Lehranstalten, theils mit, theils ohne Pfte. (No. 1. Sommergesang: ,,Geh' aus mein Herz", theilweise 7stimm., ohne Begltg. No. 2. Gebet: ,,Hör uns, Allmächtiger". 4stimm. m. Pfte. No. 3. Unser Knesebeck: ,,In Halberstadt am Brockenrand", 4stimm. ohne Begltg. No. 4. Hurrah Strassburg: ,,Ihr Jäger, was knallen", theilweise 7stimmig, ohne Begltg. No. 5. ,,Herrlich auferstanden", 4stimm. m. Pfte. No. 6. Weihnachtslied: ,,Christ ist geboren", 4stimm. ohne Begltg.)   1888
55   4 geistliche Lieder f. gem. Chor. (No. 1. ,,Bleibe bei uns, es will Abend werden". No. 2. ,,Gieb dich zufrieden". No. 3. ,,Herr Gott, nun schleuss den Himmel auf". No. 4. ,,Gottlob, es geht nunmehr zu Ende".)    1889
56   Salvum fac regem" f. vierstimm. Männerchor.   1888
57   Liturgie für den Hauptgottesdienst in der Adventszeit op. 57   1888
58   Unter den Sternen. Ein Liederkreis in drei Abtheilungen aus Martins Tagebuche. Ausg. f. 1 hohe St. m. Pfte . 1. Heft (No. 1–5). 2. Heft (No. 6–11). 3. Heft (No. 12–16)    1889
59   Liturgische Gesänge für Kirchenchor op.59   1889
60   Auf Kaiser Friedrich's Tod. Trauermarsch f. Orch. u. gem. Chor.    1890
61   Selig aus Gnade Kirchenoratorium op. 61 (1890)   1890
62   Psalm 130: ,,Aus der Tiefe rufe ich, Herr, zu dir" f. Doppelchor.   1892
63   2 Choralmotetten op. 63   1892
64   3 Duette f. S. u. T. m. Pfte. Leipzig, Klemm. No. 1. Des Abends: ,,Wir sassen zusammen alleine". Mk 1. – 2. ,,Es rauschet das Wasser". Mk 1,25. – 3. Hans u. Grete: ,,Guckst du mir denn immer nach".   1892
65   Reformations-Motette op. 65   1892
67   3 Choral-Motetten f. gem. Chor a capella.   1892
68   Hilf mir, Gott! op. 68   1893
69   Psalm 34: ,,Ich will den Herrn loben allezeit". 8. Berlin, Ries & Erler. Ausg. f. gem. Chor, Soli u. Org. (od. Pfte.)    1893
71.1   3 geistliche Lieder f. gem. Chor. 8. Hameln, Oppenheimer. No. 1. Ein Weihnachtsliedchen: ,,Zu Bethlehem geboren". Part. u. St. (Mk 0,60) Mk 1,20. – 2. Altes geistl. Volkslied: ,,Ich wollt', dass ich daheime wär'". . No. 3. Reiselied: ,,In Gottes Namen fahren wir". Ausg. A. f. gem. Chor.    1893
72   Königs-Psalm (Psalm 21, 1–5) f. die Kaiser-Geburtstagsfeier in Schulen u. höheren Lehranstalten. Berlin, Ries & Erler. a. Ausg. f. gem. Chor m. Pfte .    1894
73   Kantate: ,,Herr, wie lange willst du meiner sogar vergessen" nach Worten des Psalm 13, m. dem Choral ,,Auf meinen lieben Gott" f. gem. Chor, Soli, Orch. u. Org.   1894
74   Weihegesang nach Worten der heiligen Schrift m. Benutzung der altkirchlichen Melodie ,,Erhalt uns Herr bei deinem Wort" (in der Begleitung) f. gem. Chor u. Blasinstrumente (od. Org.)    1894
75   Siegesgesang der Deutschen: ,,Steige zum Himmel, Lobgesang" f. Männerchor u. gr. Orch.    1895
76   Siegeshymnus: ,,Io triumphe! Ova, Germania" – ,,Jauchze, frohlocke, stolze Germania". Quedlinburg, Vieweg. Ausg. f. Männerchor.   1895
77   Motette: ,,Seid fröhlich in Hoffnung".   1895
78   Psalm 98: ,,Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied" f. gem. Chor, Soli u. Pfte.    1895
79   Psalm 84: ,,Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen, Herr Zebaoth" f. die Einweihungsfeier der evangel. Kirche in Kurzel f. Männerchor u. Org.   1895
82   Psalm 95 for chorus and soli   1896
83   4 Psalmen op. 83   1896
84   Musica sacra, no. 6-8   1896
85   Psalm 104: ,,Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele"   1896
85.4   Die sieben Worte des Erlösers am Kreuze op. 85, Nr. 4   1896
88   Zwiegespräch der Kinder mit dem Christkinde: ,,Wir bitten dich, o Jesulein" f. vierstimm. Knaben-(od. Frauen-) Chor, S.-Solo u. Org   1896
89   Kaiserlied: ,,Es tönen die Glocken weithin durch das Reich". Berlin, Bote & Bock. Ausg. f. Männerchor m. Pfte   1897
91   Weihnachtslied: ,,Von David's Reis ein Röselein". Ausg. A. f. 1 hohe – mittlere – tiefe Singst. m. Org. od. Pfte .   1897
92   Kantate 'Hebe deine Augen auf', with SATB, soli, children's choir and piano   1898
93   5 ernste Gesänge f. Männerchor, deutsch u. engl. (No. 1. Sehnsucht nach Vergessen: ,,Lethe, brich die Fesseln des Ufers". No. 2. Primula veris: ,,Liebliche Blume, primula veris". No. 3. An die Nacht: ,,Weil' auf mir, du dunkles Auge". No. 4. Mutterherz: ,,Nun will das Laub der Wind verwehn". No. 5. Wunsch: ,,Ich wollt', es gäb' keine Sonne".)    1898
   Rattenfanger   1877
   Wilder Jäger   1877
   Der Herzensdieb: ,,Nun hab' ich auch ein Schätzchen" f. 1 Singst. m. Pfte.    1886
   Frühling: ,,Der Frühling ist kommen" f. 1 Singst. m. Pfte.    1891
   Dankgebet: ,,Wir treten zum Beten" aus den alt-niederländischen Volksliedern des Adrianus Valerius (1626) f. Gebrauch in Kirchen u. Schulen bearb. a) f. gem. Chor a capella.   1894
   3 Altniederländische Volkslieder aus dem Nederlandtschen Gedenck-danck des Adrianus Valerius (1626) f. Chor u. Orch. (od. Pfte) nach Dichtungen v. Ferd. Graf Sporck einger. (No. 1. Gebet vor der Schlacht: ,,Nun faltet die Hände". No. 2. Sturmlied: ,,Was tobt des Donners Zorngeroll". No. 3. Daukgebet: ,,Wir treten zum Beten.")   1894
   Die arme Seele: ,,Dort hinten an der himmlischen Thür". Geistl. Volkslied f. Männerchor.    1895
   Weihnachtslied aus dem XIV. Jahrhundert: ,,Joseph, lieber Joseph mein". Nach dem Tonsatz v. Bodenschatz (1608) eingerichtet f. gem. Chor. Part. Mk 2. St. Mk 1,20. – f. 1 Singst. m. Pfte (od. Org.) in F, D .   1895
   3 Minnelieder v. der Wende des 13. Jahrh. f. Männerchor gesetzt. (No. 1. ,,Holder Mai, komm wied'r und blüh'". No. 2. ,,Thöricht Herze, willst du nimmer lassen". No. 3. ,,Die Erde ist erschlossen".)    1897
   4 Minnelieder v. der Wende des 13. Jahrh. f. S. (od. T.) m. Pfte einger. à Mk 1. Leipzig, Breitkopf & Härtel. No. 1. ,,Der Wald und Anger liegt gebreit't". – 2. ,,Thöricht Herze, willst du nimmer lassen". – 3. ,,Holder Mai, komm wied'r und blüh'". – 4. ,,Die Erde ist erschlossen".   1897

Thanks, Balapoel. Very interesting. Ill try and get more detail on the other two symphonies. I know I've read about them somewhere...

Yes, many thanks indeed. Very interesting.

Quote from: Balapoel on Saturday 01 September 2012, 23:30
Hmm. Well, if there are no uploads, I don't see why this tonal, accessible composer could at least be discussed - no downloads are involved. It just doesn't set a good tone. People could be free to disagree about the extent to which he writes romantic music. For myself, I don't see hard and fast breaks from Elgar to Bantock/Bax to Rubbra, etc.

Of course all of music history involves development from the music written by certain composers in one period to that written by others in the next. It's simply a question of where we have chosen to draw the lines (at either end of the period) for this particular website - and the 'where' reflects our own particular tastes and preferences. We therefore trust that you will feel able to contribute within the revised remit of UC.

I guess I remember the days before all of the download (and increased number of threads, etc.) started. I don't remember numbers of locked threads. A simple note that the person is off-topic or that the composer may be outside the bounds (thus, opening it up for discussion that may actually persuade or change minds) could be the norm. Given what I read was the problems with UC as it became, that the removal of the off-topic downloads would suffice. Of course, now we have the remaining fuzzy topic 'Romantic composers', which IIRC, was never fully constrained in terms of chronological dates (I remember, I was part of that discussion). Anyway, I realize this is straying off topic of Albert Becker, so this will be my last post on this subject. I hope Becker's catalog was useful.
Cheers,
Balapoel

Thanks for arriving at an understanding of the changes we have made. Much appreciated. And renewed thanks too for the detailed catalogue of Becker's works - he's a composer who badly needs further investigation.

There seems to be a symphony in G minor (by Albert Becker) whose manuscript is at Northwestern University Library. ... Hrm. Ah, that would be the 1859 symphony, I'm guessing. Sorry, missed the list. I was starting to compile one of my own over @IMSLP just a few hours ago, but it would be great to add this one to it if I might...

Becker's Symphony, as Eric says, is located here:
http://nucat.library.northwestern.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=3239001 (http://nucat.library.northwestern.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=3239001)
This could be an important find. I must check with a man who knows...

Indeed, it would seem to be a real find. The late US musicologist and Raff/Draeseke scholar, Dr Alan Krueck, wrote regarding the Vienna symphony competition of 1862:

Trotz allem Freundeswort...(Despite every friendly word) is the motto of entry No. 17, a symphony in G minor and the last of the three major considerations for the prize put forth by Volkmann. In his description of the music Volkmann perceived in the first movement deutscher Ernst und deutsche Art  (German seriousness and German manner) and, as with his two previous choices, finds the symphony characterized by moderner Geist or contemporary thought - whatever that is supposed to mean. As to the authorship of the symphony there is no doubt: it is by Albert Becker (1834-99), for he was named as runner-up to Raff by the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde. Becker himself and this symphony in particular pose problems for the researcher today. In the only extant and reasonably extensive biographical essay on Becker, penned by a certain Anselm Fritzsch in 1882 for Vol.14 of Musikalisches Wochenblatt, pages 179-185 including a lithograph portrait of the still living composer, we are told that the prize winning Symphony in G minor is actually Becker's second essay in the form, composed in 1858 a year after his First Symphony in D major. Unfortunately we are also informed that the G minor symphony was awarded its prize in 1860, a slip uncorrected by Becker himself and one which nurtures suspicion that there are many other inaccuracies in this crucial biographical source. Although a Third Symphony, in D minor, is supposed to have followed in 1865, Becker is rarely listed as a symphonist and, indeed, his large catalogue of works does consist mainly of vocal pieces. It is of note that none of his symphonies, including the prize-sharing G minor Symphony, were ever published. My 1977 inquiries as to the whereabouts of the manuscript of that Symphony led to a cul-de-sac, for the four Berlin libraries which were contacted - and Albert Becker spent most of his life in Berlin -had no listings for such a work. According to contemporary accounts, the Symphony was played a number of times after 1862 and turn-of-the-century reference books often refer to it as his most important work. Be that as it may the Symphony in G minor of Albert Becker, along with any sets of parts, has disappeared. It is possible the work is in some private collection for a large number of other Becker works are catalogued in the Museum Preussicher Kulturbesitz. Perhaps the unkindest cut of all is the fact that the recent editions of MGG, Grove's, Riemann and Slonimsky-Baker have deleted Albert Becker from posterity.
http://www.raff.org/resource/krueck/vienna.htm (http://www.raff.org/resource/krueck/vienna.htm)

Intriguing...

It comes to something when you get your own website quoted back at you!  ;)

Yes, that's where I had read that Becker wrote three symphonies. Alan Krueck researched the Vienna competition thoroughly for many years. In his piece on the competition he referred to "the only extant and reasonably extensive biographical essay on Becker, penned by a certain Anselm Fritzsch in 1882 for Vol.14 of Musikalisches Wochenblatt, pages 179-185 including a lithograph portrait of the still living composer". I have all Dr Krueck's papers and have made a very rough cut & paste scan of the article which can be downloaded here (http://www.raff.org/other/Becker_bio_1884.pdf). Here's the portrait of Becker from the article:



It's ironic that the G minor Symphony, which Alan Krueck thought lost, was in fact sitting in a library not too far from where he lived. Thanks so much for tracking it down, Eric. The catalogue entry there makes it clear that what they have is a holograph of the manuscript and a scan of the opening page is available (downloadable here (http://www.raff.org/other/Becker_Symphony_No.2.jpg)). Marked Grave it indicates that the first of the four movements has a slow introduction. From a musicological point of view this is an important find. Whether it's an artistically significant one is a different matter but I'll contact Northwestern University about the practicality (and affordability) of getting the score copied so that we can judge for ourselves.

Most of the work was done for me by Northwestern's library and by the Worldcat system/website (I forget when Worldcat became what it is today- it was RLIN or something like that when I had just got out of grad school, and rather different- though still very interesting to wander-about.) Though if it had been in one of those Berlin-area libraries, I might not have found it that way (depending... hrm. Well, SBB - Staatsbibliothek- seems sort of well covered-ish... hrm. Erm. Anyway... it is true that a number of people making worklists on IMSLP add links to Berlin-area libraries to the resources for just that reason; they don't yet go in Worldcat.)

That said, it is an interesting-looking incipit, and I know I look forward to. Thanks!

Further investigations are under way, Eric, thanks to your sleuthing ability. More news when I have it...

I sent a message to a librarian at NWU yesterday asking if it was possible to obtain a scan of the holograph MS.

I also learn from their catalog that Becker's Adagio op.20 - an early entry I guess in his series of 7-plus adagios for instrumental ensembles? Have to recheck...- is already recorded (on an earlyish CD, too.) Neat. I hope NWU will consider joining the collection of libraries with a scanning program and put the G minor symphony (and other things - older published scores, manuscripts) up in their collection publicly, like some other libraries do- but I have that hope for a number of libraries with what seem to be good archives. (Hrm. Yep, a search in their catalog under manuscripts , scores, before 1920 gives a large-sized collection including some other symphonies- who's G. Sandow?.. etc. Anyway. Right!)

The library catalog description of the G minor symphony, btw, has
117 pp. (27x35 cm.)
Open to researchers under library restrictions; permission of Head Music Librarian required.

At end of 1st mvmt.: "15-20 Febr. 1858 comp." ; at end of 3rd mvmt.: "Nov. 58" ; at end of 4th mvmt.: ""Dec. 58. comp." and "copied 22/8 A.B."

Gareth Vaughan wrote:

QuoteI sent a message to a librarian at NWU yesterday asking if it was possible to obtain a scan of the holograph MS.

They'll begin to think something is up - I'd already done that!

I have uploaded some samples from Becker's Symphony in G minor for those interested. Hopefully I will finish a rendition of the entire work later this year.

SYMPHONY IN G MINOR (1859) samples only

LINK:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxpqTQ6NXFM

This is really interesting, Martin. Thanks so much. All I can add is: more, please!

Great, Martin, thanks as ever.

It's fascinating to hear this work which came second to Raff's An das Vaterland Symphony in the 1862 Vienna competition which catapulted Raff to prominence. The late lamented doyen of Raff enthusiasts Alan Krueck wrote a short paper about the competition (download here (https://www.raff.org/support/download/krueck/krueck_identity_crisis.pdf)) which goes into some detail about Becker's Symphony because it's discussed in a letter by one of the competition judges, Robert Volkamnn. Here's the relevant paragraph from Alan's paper:

Trotz allem Freundeswort...(Despite every friendly word) is the motto of entry No. 17, a symphony in G minor and the last of the three major considerations for the prize put forth by Volkmann. In his description of the music Volkmann perceived in the first movement deutscher Ernst und deutsche Art (German seriousness and German manner) and, as with his two previous choices, finds the symphony characterized by moderner Geist or contemporary thought - whatever that is supposed to mean. As to the authorship of the symphony there is no doubt: it is by Albert Becker (1834-99), for he was named as runner-up to Raff by the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde. Becker himself and this symphony in particular pose problems for the researcher today. In the only extant and reasonably extensive biographical essay on Becker, penned by a certain Anselm Fritzsch in 1882 for Vol.14 of Musikalisches Wochenblatt, pages 179-185 including a lithograph portrait of the still living composer, we are told that the prize winning Symphony in G minor is actually Becker's second essay in the form, composed in 1858 a year after his First Symphony in D major. Unfortunately we are also informed that the G minor symphony was awarded its prize in 1860, a slip uncorrected by Becker himself and one which nurtures suspicion that there are many other inaccuracies in this crucial biographical source. Although a Third Symphony, in D minor, is supposed to have followed in 1865, Becker is rarely listed as a symphonist and, indeed, his large catalogue of works does consist mainly of vocal pieces. It is of note that none of his symphonies, including the prize-sharing G minor Symphony, were ever published. My 1977 inquiries as to the whereabouts of the manuscript of that Symphony led to a cul-de-sac, for the four Berlin libraries which were contacted - and Albert Becker spent most of his life in Berlin -had no listings for such a work. According to contemporary accounts, the Symphony was played a number of times after 1862 and turn-of-the-century reference books often refer to it as his most important work. Be that as it may the Symphony in G minor of Albert Becker, along with any sets of parts, has disappeared. It is possible the work is in some private collection for a large number of other Becker works are catalogued in the Museum Preussicher Kulturbesitz. Perhaps the unkindest cut of all is the fact that the recent editions of MGG, Grove's, Riemann and Slonimsky-Baker have deleted Albert Becker from posterity.

Well done, Martin, for tracking down the manuscript when it eluded Alan. From the excerpts it sounds like a worthwhile discovery - in the Schumann tradition, perhaps?

I strongly echo Alan's and Mark's enthusiasm. This is a most intriguing work. The extracts are very attractive.

I think the ms was at Northwestern library, or something- that's ringing a bell! - link as found in imslp's worklist (https://libguides.northwestern.edu/c.php?g=814048) (originally via Worldcat!)

ah. I see the link's moved, they're migrating their digitizations to Hathitrust.

Ok, I can't find the digitized online version right now, it's temporarily down while they move them, but here (https://search.library.northwestern.edu/permalink/01NWU_INST/1rp8nr9/alma9972116594202441) is a description of the scan of his G minor symphony.

Now that I've had the time to listen properly to the excerpts from Becker's Symphony, I'd hazard a guess that this is another important missing link in the history of the symphony in the so-called 'Dahlhaus Gap' between Schumann 4 and Brahms 1. Immediately obvious are Becker's rhythmic ingenuity and lyrical impulse. All in all, it sounds like a very attractive work which it'd be great to be able to hear in full - hint, hint!

Martin: have you any idea how long the entire Symphony is?

Alan, rough estimates ....

1st 12 mins
2nd  9 mins
3rd  6 mins
4th  9 mins

36 mins. The obvious influence to my ears is Beethoven but he's pushing the boundaries as you'd expect in trying to be innovative. I think the First movement is the least successful - the other three go together stylistically. I wonder if it was from an earlier symphony?

Anyway looking forward to finishing this. It's quite refreshing to work on something from this era that isn't predictable.

Thanks, Martin. I rather like the rhythmic figures in the first movement, but anyway I'm a sucker for symphonies from this period.

SYMPHONY in G minor - ENTIRE WORK

Here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPA5hJ0qlFE&t=193s

That's great, Martin. Many, many thanks for completing the whole symphony.

I enjoyed this very much without being particularly 'grabbed', if you know what I mean. I found that the music tended to wander at various points between the more vigorous sections in I and IV - but that could just have been me not paying proper attention.

Main positive takeaways: some lovely extended lyrical writing for the strings in I, II and IV, and interesting rhythmic writing in I, III and IV.

Idiom: certainly beyond Schumann.

Certainly another candidate for a recording, I'd've thought.

I should have listened more carefully the first time. This is a very fine symphony, quite original, it seems to me, and full of incident. I particularly appreciate some of the quirky rhythmic writing and the overall drive and elan of the opening and closing movements.

Martin's rendering is an excellent one. I just hope cpo might be listening in...

I completely agree, a work of real quality which, although superficially in the Schumann tradition, is actually not at all "traditional"  - Becker was clearly no epigone. If I'm honest, and despite writing with my Raff colours nailed firmly to the mast, I'm quite surprised that in the 1863 Vienna competition Becker's fine, inventive symphony came second to Raff's sprawling An das Vaterland, glad though I am that it did.

I've listened a few more times - and it gets better! Familiarity breeds................esteem!