Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Walter Braunfels' orchestral masterpieces with this compelling album, featuring two of his most significant works. The centerpiece is the "Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25," a monumental composition penned between 1914 and 1917. This early work showcases Braunfels' unique voice and his masterful handling of orchestration, offering a fascinating exploration of themes inspired by the legendary Hector Berlioz.
Complementing this is the "Sinfonia brevis in F Minor, Op. 69," a concise yet powerful symphony that demonstrates Braunfels' ability to convey depth and complexity within a shorter form. The album is brought to life by the Rheinland-Pfalz State Philharmonic Orchestra, under the skilled direction of Gregor Bühl, ensuring a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive.
Spanning 18 tracks and just over an hour and twenty minutes, this album is a testament to Braunfels' compositional prowess and the orchestra's virtuosity. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this recording offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The meticulous attention to detail and the orchestra's dynamic range make this a standout addition to any classical music collection.
2019 CapriccioNR2019 CapriccioNR
Tracks
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: Einleitung. Allegretto con fuocoWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 1, ThemaWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 2, ModeratoWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 3, GemessenWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 4, Mit Breite, doch nicht langsam und etwas freiWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 5, AndanteWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 6, RuhigWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 7, Sehr schnellWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 8, Lebhaft, sehr frei im VortragWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 9, Sehr schnellWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 10, LebhaftWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 11, ModeratoWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: No. 12, Breit und wuchtigWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25: Finale. LebhaftWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Sinfonia brevis in F Minor, Op. 69: I. AllegroWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Sinfonia brevis in F Minor, Op. 69: II. Adagio, ma non troppoWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Sinfonia brevis in F Minor, Op. 69: III. Scherzo. Adagio moltoWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Sinfonia brevis in F Minor, Op. 69: IV. Finale. ModeratoWalter Braunfels, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl
Walter Braunfels, born in Frankfurt in 1882, was a pivotal figure in German music, renowned for his contributions as a composer, pianist, and music educator. Hailing from a musically inclined family, Braunfels' early education was nurtured by his mother, a great-niece of the celebrated composer Louis Spohr. His formal training began with piano studies under James Kwast at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, followed by composition lessons with Ludwig Thuille in Munich. Braunfels' career flourished between the two world wars, during which he was one of the most frequently performed opera composers of his time. His notable works include the opera "The Birds," based on Aristophanes' comedy, and a rich repertoire of orchestral, chamber, and piano pieces. Despite facing adversity during the Nazi era, when his music was banned and he was labeled a "half-Jew," Braunfels' legacy endures. He also served as the founding director of the Cologne Academy of Music until 1933. His compositions, steeped in the German Classical-Romantic tradition, continue to captivate audiences with their depth and emotional resonance.
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Walter Braunfels
