Thoughts on late Gernsheim & late Thieriot

[Alan Howe]

Ilja's favourable mention of Gernsheim's 'Zu einem Drama' puts me in mind of the equally powerful late C sharp minor Symphony by Thieriot. Both composers were of the generation of Brahms (Gernsheim: 1839-1916; Thieriot: 1838-1919), but both continued to write important works in the same classical-romantic idiom. This style, in other words, didn't die out with Brahms in 1897, but lasted for another two decades or so - and proved to be fertile ground for the production of further masterpieces.

[Reverie]

Couldn't agree more. This period fascinates me as there is so much to still be discovered. Much of it is mediocre at best (something which could be said of any period I guess) however, from time to time you discover something which surprises you.

[Alan Howe]

from time to time you discover something which surprises you.

Quite so. There's so much still to discover, isn't there? The late Thieriot Piano Quartets on Toccata, for example, have proved to be great finds.