Messages

pcc, Ill eagerly second your endorsement of Reissiger. I think Die Felsenmuehle is irresistible. If, to you, the Yelva Overture surpasses it, Im very intrigued. Its fascinating that you have conducted a run-through. I like how you describe him, although I think very highly of Marschner, and enjoy his music just as much. Thanks for  a really worthy nomination.

Revilod, Thank you for employing Lachner as a launching pad to Pratte! What a time for Harp Concertos here on UC! Have you also seen that his Quartet for Harp and Winds was uploaded to YT? I've heard into the opening movement. What a beguiling sonority this blend of instruments creates! What an original concept for the Early 19th Century. The Norrkoping Festival is fascinating. Artistic Director/ Principal Harpist Delphine Constantin- Reznik discovered the Concerto manuscript accidentally. Pratte never published his works during his life. What a rescue!( Exactly what Unsung Composers Forum cherishes). The Festival supports young harpists, and intends to endorse not only  Pratte, but other contemporaneous Harpist-Composers, expanding what we know of Early Romantic Harp Compositions. Its exhilarating to think where that might go! So, thank you for really enhancing our discussion of the World of the 19th Century Harp. Im so glad you did.

Before interest on the subject calms, two more prominent Harpist-Composers Im deeply curious about are John Thomas and Charles Oberthur. Hardly any work by either that Ive heard is not melodic, and euphonious. Years ago, when Chandos had an open forum much like this one, I appealed to them to espouse the cause of both of these men, as either native(Thomas), or having lived their life and career here(Oberthur). Both wrote Harp and Orchestra works( Concertos, Overtures), and many chamber works. Though theyve both been generously revived with regard to solo pieces, many of even those works remain unrecorded. Prominent Harpist, Silke Aichhorn, has a Youtube Channel featuring some of her performances. I recently left a comment about this there, appealing directly to an active performer who also has a nice pattern of exploring lesser-known harpists.

Not a mistake, Adriano. They were stingy with the name "Ignaz" on that site. I believe most of us, on seeing the name Lachner, would instantly think of Franz, not Ignaz or Vincenz.

Adriano, Those links are not generous with full information, but Im wondering if that work is by Ignaz Lachner?( It rings a tiny bell). Id rather it be yet another composition by Franz! Most of all, thank you for continuing to explore this topic! I didnt expect this much interest to be stimulated by my original question.

My awareness of this recording dates from 10-15 years ago. I never forgot it, but what I didnt know was if it was still available/ in circulation. I thank Adriano for helping me to know that it is. I learned of this concerto, and, yes, the second one from The New Grove biography/ list of compositions for Lachner. The Harp Concertos are in C minor, and D minor. As if not one, but two Harp Concertos was not exciting and surprising enough, he also wrote a similarly early Bassoon Concerto. The fog of my memory wants me to say that it is also in a minor key. Ive enjoyed that the news of the concertos has excited some of you.

Sharkkb8,  Now, Thank You! I have ordered from this reputable seller. So, after what could be near a decade, a tantalizing "Wish List" item will enter my life! Though it will not be a surprise, it also shouldnt go without saying: Along with the undoubted scholarship of this forum, is the cross-pollenating atmosphere of willingness to share and help. Each member can recall many of their own episodes in which another member responded with information, research, guidance, or advice. Thank you, gentlemen, for placing me quickly and gratefully on the receiving end of that today.

Adriano, Thank you for your helpfulness! Also, while you are on this thread, let me say that I know who you are. I deeply admire your musical accomplishments. Your contributions to this forum are unique/ could only come from you. They enhance the musical experience of all of us who are members. Thank you sincerely for that, also. Terry, You will beat me to the purchase of this CD. Therefore, I will be grateful and excited to hear your response to the Harp Concerto.

Mention of the Musica Bavarica Label in a post on the entry for Puchtler instantly reminded me that Ive known for such a long time that one release in their catalogue contains Franz Lachners Harp Concerto in D minor. Ive always wondered about it, and would love to hear it. Lachner is a favorite for me, as are Romantic Harp Concertos. So, it could be very promising. Has anyone here heard or purchased it? Is Musica Bavarica a source from which CD's are easily obtainable?

Martin, Thank you for the enthusiasm  of your endorsement. That review was distressing, and would make someone who didn't know the release at all wilt a little. Eric, thank you for the link, and for introducing me to Allmusic. You know, it would be very helpful to compile  everyones preferred sites for musical information, new releases, sound excerpts in one central location. What do you think? It's staggering to think of all the sites members know and use as resources for those reasons. We should have a comprehensive, master list.Eric, thank you in general- as with so many here, your presence on this forum is really something else!

Resurrection time: So, I've just learned of this disc, and am so curious about it, all the more so because it's already so elusive. Sound excerpts can't be found anywhere. Can anyone report on this? So hope it's not a disappointment.

Mike, I've never encountered evidence that any of these are commercially available- do you mean that they are? I have one Loewe Oratorio, and one Opera. I once heard excerpts of the Greith, and thought it was arresting. These are compositions I'd be deeply interested to hear.

Mark, Thank you for this. I have the pretty, charming Octet in its original appearance on LP. I'm happy to be able, by your action,to convert it to a modern medium! If I remember correctly, the album stated that August had written a symphony, maybe even that itwas one of his most esteemed compositions. I liked the Octet so much, that it made me wish to hear the Symphony some day. Just another fine day at Unsung Composers! August Walter, it's your turn to take a bow here!

Today is Loewes birthday. In thinking of him, I searched online, and found that his Oratorio, "Johann Huss" was just performed a month ago in Berlin. Happily, we've had his rare E-minor symphony posted here. I know another Oratorio, and an Opera, and, assessing from those, some of his finest inspiration emanates from the Soloists, Choir, and Orchestra genre.Could anyone find out any more about the October 27 & 28, 2012 performances? Of course, wouldn't it be exciting if those performances generated a recording? I value and care about Loewe and his music greatly.Did you know that as a boy, he sang the Queen of the Nights aria in Mozarts The Magic Flute? Developing a fine tenor voice as a man, he and his wife sang the parts in many of his Oratorios. If you enjoy Loewe, wish him Happy Birthday today.

Just a reminder: Will  someone be able and generous to record Franz Lachners Catharina Cornaro tomorrow? Thank you, on behalf of all  of us who enjoy him.