Marc Gruber, the solo hornist on this recording, won second prize, the audience prize, and a special prize at the renowned ARD Music Competition in Munich in 2016.
Historical Context
The minuet "à la Vigano," referenced in Lortzing's variations, was danced by famous dancers Salvatore Viganò and Josefa Maria, and was also the theme for variations by Ludwig van Beethoven.
Compositional Technique
Lortzing's Potpourri for horn and orchestra uses melodies from successful operas by François-Adrien Boieldieu and Daniel François Esprit Auber as its themes.
Compositional Technique
Lortzing's "Variations for Horn/Trumpet and Orchestra" uses a theme from a musical quodlibet by Matthäus Stegmayer, which itself was based on a famous minuet by Jakob Haibel.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Lortzing never composed without the prospect of his work being performed, focusing on theatre pieces after his time in Leipzig.
Composer Biography
After the success of his opera "Zar und Zimmermann" in 1837, Lortzing aimed to compose a new full-length opera each year, often writing his own librettos.
Composer Biography
Albert Lortzing, the composer, primarily wrote works for the stage, including interlude arias and incidental music, and almost exclusively text-based compositions.
