Karol Rathaus, a Polish composer born in 1895, studied composition in Vienna and Berlin and also earned a doctorate in history from the University of Vienna.
Recording & Production
This CD features the first-ever recordings of Karol Rathaus' two Violin Sonatas, Op. 14 and Op. 43, making it a unique opportunity to explore his chamber music style.
Compositional Technique
Karol Rathaus's Sonata for violin and piano No. 1, Op. 14, showcases a transition from post-romantic harmony to quartal and secundal harmony, characteristic of Arnold Schönberg's atonal works.
Recording & Production
This album was financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education from funds allocated to the Instrumental Department of the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk.
Historical Context
Karol Rathaus was forced to leave Germany due to rising anti-Semitic sentiment and was later condemned by the Nazis in 1938 as a representative of 'degenerate music' (Entartete Musik).
Cultural Impact
Karol Rathaus contributed significantly to early sound films, notably with his music for "Der Mörder Dimitri Karamasoff," which was one of the first films to feature close collaboration between composer and director.
Critical Reception
After the premiere of his Symphony No. 2, Op. 7 in 1924, Karol Rathaus was hailed as 'one of the most promising hopes of new music' by critic Walter Schrenk.
You might also enjoy...
Litta: Le lac d'amour, La déesse nue & Der Tod als Fiedler
