Woyrsch: Symphony No. 3 & 3 Böcklin-Phantasien

Featuring

Thomas Dorsch
Oldenburg State Orchestra
Felix Woyrsch

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Critical Reception

Woyrsch's "Böcklin Fantasies" were his most successful orchestral work, with over 20 performances across Europe between 1910 and 1913, and continued to receive public acclaim for decades.

Composer Biography

Woyrsch's musical talent was discovered at a fair where he performed as an "art piper," leading to free instruction from choirmaster Heinrich Chevallier.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Woyrsch considered himself an autodidact, humorously listing Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Wagner, Berlioz, and German folk song as his "teachers."

Composition History

Woyrsch's Passion Oratorio op. 45 was a breakthrough work, discussed and frequently performed throughout Germany after its 1899 premiere, establishing him as a leading German composer.

Composer Biography

In 1914, the city of Altona created the position of "City Music Director" in Woyrsch's honor, which he held until 1931, acknowledging his central role in the city's music life.

Composition History

The Swiss painter Arnold Böcklin (1827-1901), especially his painting "Die Toteninsel" (The Island of the Dead), inspired about 20 different musical compositions, including works by Woyrsch and Rachmaninov.

Composer Biography

Felix Woyrsch (1860-1944) came from an old noble family, but his father died when he was six, leaving him without a financially secure childhood or formal musical training.