Towards the end of his life, Beethoven sought to infuse the traditional fugue form with a 'truly poetic element', emphasizing innovation over mere expression.
Composition History
Arnold Schoenberg's 10 Waltzes for string orchestra were likely composed in 1897 when he was 23, but their premiere didn't occur until 2004 at the Salzburg Festival.
Critical Reception
Beethoven's Great Fugue, Op. 133, was initially rejected by audiences and critics, with one critic calling its dissonances a 'Babylonian confusion'.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in the Jan Kaczmarek Concert Hall of Radio Wrocław from November 17-20, 2008.
Performer Biography
Ernst Kovacic, the conductor and violinist on this album, plays a violin made by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini in 1753.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's Great Fugue, Op. 133, was originally the finale of his String Quartet in B flat major, Op. 130, but was separated due to its challenging nature.
Composition History
The two early works by Beethoven and Schoenberg on this album were rarely performed until the composers were recognized as important innovators.
You might also enjoy...
Larsson: 12 Concertinos, Op. 45
American Romantics II
José Arriola: Orchestral Music
Fairy Tale
Du Temps & De L'Instant
Svoboda: Premiere Recordings
Timothy Reynish International Repertoire Recordings, Vol. 9: Gregson
