Krommer: Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, & 7

Featuring

Howard Griffiths
Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana
Franz Vinzenz Krommer

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Composer Biography

Franz Krommer's early musical talent was recognized and fostered, leading him to study with his uncle Anton Matthias Krommer, a school headmaster and choirmaster, at age 14.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Krommer's musical output focused almost entirely on instrumental music, with a strong emphasis on chamber music and compositions for wind ensembles.

Critical Reception

The cultural historian Wilhelm Heinrich Riehl expressed amazement in the late 19th century that Franz Krommer, once a highly esteemed composer, was so utterly forgotten after his death.

Performer Biography

Howard Griffiths, the conductor on this album, has lived in Switzerland since 1981 and was appointed a 'Member of the British Empire' (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his contributions to Swiss musical life.

Critical Reception

Krommer's Symphony No. 4 was premiered in Vienna in 1820 and was considered by the Viennese press to be an event of nationwide cultural importance, as few prominent Viennese composers had written symphonies since Beethoven.

Composer Biography

Krommer's career included roles as an organist, military bandmaster, and eventually imperial court composer and chapel-master in Vienna.

Composition History

Krommer composed nine symphonies, which he numbered from the fourth onwards; his first five symphonies were published during his lifetime, but three only survive in manuscript, and one is lost.