Braunfels: Symphonic Variations / Sinfonia Brevis

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Walter Braunfels' orchestral works with this captivating album, released on Dutton Epoch. This collection showcases Braunfels' mastery of chamber music, featuring a blend of symphonic variations, sinfonia, and a enchanting suite from his opera "The Glass Mountain." The album opens with the whimsical "Symphonic Variations On a French Children's Song Op. 15," a delightful exploration of a familiar tune transformed into a symphonic journey. The "Sinfonia Brevis Op. 69" follows, a concise yet powerful work that unfolds in four distinct movements, each offering a unique musical landscape.

The heart of the album lies in the "Suite from the Glass Mountain Op. 39b," a nine-movement suite that transports you into a world of magic and wonder. Each movement is a miniature masterpiece, from the playful "Die Irrlichter" to the ethereal "Bei der Frau Sonne" and the triumphant "Die erlösung des verzauberten Prinzen." The suite is a testament to Braunfels' ability to paint vivid musical pictures, each note carefully crafted to evoke a specific mood or scene.

The album is performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra under the baton of Johannes Wildner, who brings out the full richness and depth of Braunfels' compositions. With a duration of over an hour, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen, offering a deep dive into the world of Walter Braunfels and his unique musical voice. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

2 februari 2015

(P) 2015 Dutton Epoch

About Walter Braunfels

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.