Hässler: 360 Preludes in All Major & Minor Keys, Fantaisie et Sonate & Grande Sonate

Featuring

Vitlaus von Horn
Johann Wilhelm Hässler

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Historical Context

Hässler is perhaps most remembered for a contest with Mozart, during which Mozart wrote a critical letter about Hässler's organ playing.

Compositional Technique

Hässler's 360 Preludes in All Keys, Op. 47, are arranged in the order of the circle of fifths, with each set containing fifteen miniature preludes.

Interpretation

For this recording of the Preludes, pianist Vitlaus von Horn took an 'inauthentic approach,' using an American Steinway D piano and taking extreme performance liberties with tempos and dynamics.

Composer Biography

Johann Wilhelm Hässler, the composer, was a 'musical grandson of Bach,' having studied with Johann Christian Kittel, one of Bach's last students.

Performer Biography

Pianist Vitlaus von Horn's musical lineage traces back to Beethoven himself, through Medtner, Leszetycki, and Czerny.

Composition History

Hässler's relocation to Moscow, where he lived for over a quarter-century, was considered a 'born again' experience, as his works from this period begin with Op. 1.