Erwin Schulhoff's "Ironien" is a captivating collection of chamber music that showcases the composer's unique blend of classical training and avant-garde influences. Released on November 15, 2019, under the Wergo label, this album spans a diverse range of compositions, each offering a distinct emotional and musical landscape.
The album begins with the profound and introspective "Sonate Nr. 3," a five-movement work that takes the listener through a journey of moderation, tranquility, and retrospective reflection. Following this, "Ironien, Op. 34" presents a series of six movements that are as rhythmic and agitative as they are militaristic and decisive, showcasing Schulhoff's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and moods through his music.
The "10 Klavierstücke, Op. 30" collection offers a series of ten contrasting pieces, from the simple and calm to the brutal and swift, demonstrating Schulhoff's versatility and technical prowess. "Musik für Klavier, Op. 35" continues this exploration of contrast and variation, with a prelude, theme, and variations, and a playful "Vivo e giocoso" movement.
Finally, the "11 Inventionen, Op. 36" concludes the album with a series of inventive and expressive pieces, ranging from the slow and expressive to the fast and leggioso. Throughout the album, Schulhoff's compositions are marked by their technical complexity, emotional depth, and innovative use of form and structure.
"Ironien" is a testament to Erwin Schulhoff's enduring legacy as a composer who was not afraid to push the boundaries of classical music and explore new and innovative approaches to composition. Whether you are a longtime fan of Schulhoff's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2019 Wergo
Tracks
Sonate Nr. 3: I. Moderato cantabileErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
Sonate Nr. 3: II. Andante tranquillo quasi improvisazioneErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
Sonate Nr. 3: III. Allegro moltoErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
Sonate Nr. 3: IV. Marcia funebreErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
Sonate Nr. 3: V. Finale retrospettivo. Allegretto moderatoErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
Ironien, Op. 34: I. Allegro molto ritmicoErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman, Erika Le Roux
Ironien, Op. 34: II. Allegro agitatoErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman, Erika Le Roux
Ironien, Op. 34: III. Alla marcia militaristicaErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman, Erika Le Roux
Ironien, Op. 34: IV. Allegro ma non troppoErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman, Erika Le Roux
Ironien, Op. 34: V. Allegro decisoErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman, Erika Le Roux
Ironien, Op. 34: VI. Tempo di FoxErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman, Erika Le Roux
10 Klavierstücke, Op. 30: I. Sehr einfach und ruhigErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
10 Klavierstücke, Op. 30: II. Mit BrutalitätErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
10 Klavierstücke, Op. 30: III. EinfachErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
10 Klavierstücke, Op. 30: IV. SchnellErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
10 Klavierstücke, Op. 30: V. FließendErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
10 Klavierstücke, Op. 30: VI. Brutal 2Erwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
10 Klavierstücke, Op. 30: VII. Sehr fließendErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
10 Klavierstücke, Op. 30: VIII. Ruhige BewegungErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
10 Klavierstücke, Op. 30: IX. Mit AufschwungErwin Schulhoff, Monica Gutman
Erwin Schulhoff, born in Prague in 1894, was a pioneering Austro-Czech composer and pianist whose eclectic style and bold experimentation made him a standout figure in early 20th-century music. Schulhoff's compositions spanned a wide range of influences, from Schoenbergian expressionism to Stravinskian neo-classicism, and he was one of the first European composers to integrate jazz into traditional musical forms. His embrace of Dadaism and socialist realism, along with his commitment to communist ideals, reflected his radical artistic vision. Despite his promising career, Schulhoff's life was tragically cut short by the Nazi regime. He was persecuted for his Jewish heritage and died in a concentration camp in 1942. His legacy endures through his innovative and emotionally resonant works, which continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of musicians.
Vinylscout
Erwin Schulhoff
