Eduard Künneke, a master student of Max Bruch, gained international fame for his operetta Der Vetter aus Dingsda (Cousin from Nowhere).
Compositional Technique
Eduard Künneke's Tänzerische Suite is scored for two ensembles: a jazz band and a large orchestra, earning it the designation 'Concerto grosso for jazz band and large orchestra'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
While working in New York, Eduard Künneke discovered jazz and the saxophone, which he praised for its 'colourful instrument' qualities.
Composition History
Eduard Künneke's Tänzerische Suite was commissioned in April 1929 by Hans von Benda, head of the concert department of the Berlin Funk-Stunde (Radio Hour), as a 'dance suite in several movements'.
Instruments
The jazz band in Künneke's Tänzerische Suite includes a solo violin, three saxophones, three trumpets with various mutes, trombone, tuba, banjo, percussion (vibraphone, xylophone, tom-tom), and piano.
Cultural Impact
Eduard Künneke's Tänzerische Suite is believed to have inspired Dmitri Shostakovich's better-known Suite for Jazz Orchestra, composed five years later.
Notable Performances
The premiere of Tänzerische Suite, conducted by Eduard Künneke himself, took place on September 8, 1929, with the Berlin Funk Orchestra and Dajos Béla's renowned jazz band.
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