A critic in 1881, after the premiere of Urspruch's Symphony in E flat major op. 14, remarked that "Brahms is the only other composer who could have written it!"
Composer Biography
Anton Urspruch, born in 1850, was one of Franz Liszt's favorite pupils, with Liszt praising his compositions and piano playing.
Performer Biography
Pianist Oliver Triendl has established a reputation for versatility, with about 100 CD recordings showcasing his commitment to both rarely played classical/romantic repertoire and contemporary works.
Historical Context
Anton Urspruch's music fell into obscurity partly because, as a half-Jew, his works were not favored by the Nazis, and after 1945, they were considered too epigonic.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Despite being a Liszt pupil, Urspruch's compositional models were primarily Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms, rather than Liszt or Richard Wagner.
Composition History
Urspruch's Piano Concerto op. 9 is dedicated to Joachim Raff, a successful composer, pianist, and educator who was also a former secretary of Liszt.
Critical Reception
Anton Urspruch's works, though performed with pleasure during his lifetime, gradually fell into oblivion, with only a few pieces remaining in the choral repertoire.
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