Paul Graener's Flute Concerto (op. 116) was his last finished composition, written amidst the bombing of Berlin and his declining health.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The finale of Graener's Flute Concerto uses the life-affirming folk song "Freut Euch des Lebens" (Enjoy life), a choice that contrasts with the composer's difficult circumstances during its creation.
Composition History
Paul Graener's Cello Concerto (op. 78) was dedicated to cellist Paul Grümmer, who also compiled the first catalogue of Graener's works.
Historical Context
Paul Graener was a member of the Nazi party and vice-president of the Reich Chamber of Music, and his works saw a sharp increase in performances during the Nazi regime.
Composer Biography
Paul Graener, the composer, lived in London from 1896 to 1909, working as a musical director and composition teacher.
Performer Biography
Uladzimir Sinkevich, the solo cellist on this album, plays a cello built by Giovanni Baptista Grancino (Milan, ca. 1700) from the German Musical Instrument Fund.
Historical Context
Despite his Nazi affiliations, Paul Graener had his Flute Concerto published by Wilhelm Zimmermann, whose publishing activities were banned by the Reich Chamber of Culture due to his Jewish heritage.
