Braunfels: Carnival Overture, Scottish Fantasy, Hölderlin Songs & Prelude and Fugue

Dive into the rich and vibrant world of Walter Braunfels with this captivating collection of chamber music, the fifth volume in Capriccio's dedicated Braunfels Edition. This album showcases the composer's remarkable range and depth, offering a journey through his early successes and lesser-known gems.

The album opens with the lively "Carnival Overture, Op. 22," a piece that marked Braunfels' early triumph in 1908. This is followed by two songs from "2 Gesänge, Op. 27," settings of poems by Friedrich Hölderlin that demonstrate Braunfels' mastery of vocal composition. The first, "An die Parzen," is a reflective and introspective piece, while the second, "Der Tod fürs Vaterland," is a stirring and patriotic anthem.

One of the highlights of the album is the "Scottische Fantasie, Op. 47," a virtuosic viola concerto that remains surprisingly underappreciated. This piece offers a unique blend of Scottish folk influences and classical sophistication, providing a delightful contrast to the other works on the album.

The album concludes with the "Prelude & Fugue, Op. 36," a testament to Braunfels' skill in contrapuntal writing. This highly structured piece showcases the composer's intellectual rigor and technical prowess.

Performed by the Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz under the baton of Gregor Bühl, with soloists Barbara Buntrock and Paul Armin Edelmann, this album offers a compelling introduction to the music of Walter Braunfels. Whether you're a longtime admirer of his work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.