Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Franz Lehár, one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century, with this comprehensive collection titled "The Greatest Austrian Composers." Released on August 9, 2014, by Ameritz Music Ltd., this album spans an impressive four hours and offers a rich tapestry of operettas and other musical gems that showcase Lehár's unparalleled talent.
Franz Lehár, born in 1870 in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is renowned for his operettas, with "The Merry Widow" being one of his most famous works. This album features a selection of pieces from this beloved operetta, including the iconic "Vilja" and the lively "Weiber March." Beyond his operettas, Lehár's versatility is evident in his compositions of impromptus, rhapsodies, and waltzes, all of which are beautifully represented in this collection.
The album begins with Lehár's "6 Impromptus, Op. 7," a series of charming piano pieces that highlight his early compositional style. It then transitions into the lively and romantic selections from "The Merry Widow," followed by a series of "12 Rhapsodies, Op. 1," which demonstrate Lehár's ability to blend classical structure with a touch of whimsy.
Classical enthusiasts will also appreciate the inclusion of Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," a timeless serenade that complements Lehár's own compositions. The album further delves into Lehár's lighter side with polkas, mazurkas, and waltzes, such as the "Schatz-Walzer (Treasure Waltz)" and the "Kriegsabenteuer, polka-schnell."
For those who enjoy a bit of drama, the album features selections from Lehár's "Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gipsy Baron)," including the dramatic overture. The collection concludes with a series of piano sonatas, string quartets, and piano trios, showcasing Lehár's depth and range as a composer.
Whether you are a fan of operettas, classical piano works, or lively dance music, this album offers a delightful journey through the musical genius of Franz Lehár. With its diverse selection of pieces, "The Greatest Austrian Composers" is a testament to Lehár's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the world of music.
(C) 2014 Basilica Music
Tracks
6 Impromptus, Op. 7: No. 1 in C MajorJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
6 Impromptus, Op. 7: No. 2 in G MajorJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
6 Impromptus, Op. 7: No. 3 in D MajorJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
6 Impromptus, Op. 7: No. 4 in A MajorJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
6 Impromptus, Op. 7: No. 5 in E MajorJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
6 Impromptus, Op. 7: No. 6 in B MajorJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
The Merry Widow: OvertureFranz Lehár, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
The Merry Widow: Maxim MarchFranz Lehár, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
The Merry Widow: BallsirenenFranz Lehár, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
The Merry Widow: Ballet MusicFranz Lehár, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
The Merry Widow: ViljaFranz Lehár, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
The Merry Widow: Weiber MarchFranz Lehár, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
The Merry Widow: Melodrama and danceFranz Lehár, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
The Merry Widow: Lol-QuadrilleFranz Lehár, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
12 Rhapsodies, Op. 1: No. 1 in C-Sharp Minor. AllegroJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
12 Rhapsodies, Op. 1: No. 2 in E Major. AllegroJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
12 Rhapsodies, Op. 1: No. 3 in A Minor. Allegro con brioJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
12 Rhapsodies, Op. 1: No. 4 in F Major. VivaceJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
12 Rhapsodies, Op. 1: No. 5 in F Minor. AllegroJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
12 Rhapsodies, Op. 1: No. 6 in A-Flat Major. Allegretto ma agitatoJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K. 525, "Eine kleine Nachtmusik": I. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Hilary Davan Wetton
Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K. 525, "Eine kleine Nachtmusik": II. RomanzeWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Hilary Davan Wetton
Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K. 525, "Eine kleine Nachtmusik": III. MenuettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Hilary Davan Wetton
Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K. 525, "Eine kleine Nachtmusik": IV. Rondo AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Hilary Davan Wetton
Wahrsagerin Die, Polka-Mazurka, Op. 420Johann Strauss II, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
Husaren-Polka, Op. 421Johann Strauss II, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
12 Rhapsodies, Op. 1: No. 11 in B Minor. Allegro briosoJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
12 Rhapsodies, Op. 1: No. 12 in E Flat Major. Allegro tempestosoJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Brautschau-Polka, Op. 417Johann Strauss II, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
Zigeunerbaron-Quadrille, op. 422Johann Strauss II, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
Piano Sonata in B-Flat Minor, Op. 20: I. Allegro con brioJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Piano Sonata in B-Flat Minor, Op. 20: II. Scherzo. AllegroJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Schatz-Walzer (Treasure Waltz), Op. 418Johann Strauss II, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
Kriegsabenteuer, polka-schnell, op. 419Johann Strauss II, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
Piano Sonata in B-Flat Minor, Op. 20: III. Finale. Allegro con brioJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Le desir, Op. 3: Andante Con MotoJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Le plaisir, Op. 4: AllegroJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Fantasie in C Major, Op. 12: I. AndanteJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Fantasie in C Major, Op. 12: II. AllegroJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Theme and Variations in B-Flat Major, Op. 19: Theme. AndanteJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Theme and Variations in B-Flat Major, Op. 19: Variation 1Jan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Theme and Variations in B-Flat Major, Op. 19: Variation 2Jan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Theme and Variations in B-Flat Major, Op. 19: Variation 3. MinoreJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Theme and Variations in B-Flat Major, Op. 19: Variation 4. MaggioreJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Theme and Variations in B-Flat Major, Op. 19: Variation 5. SicilianoJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Theme and Variations in B-Flat Major, Op. 19: Variation 6. FinaleJan Václav Vorísek, Artur Pizarro
Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gipsy Baron): OvertureJohann Strauss II, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Carl Davis
Piano Trio No. 1 in B-Flat Major, Op. 99: IV. Rondo: Allegro vivace - PrestoFranz Schubert, Trio Zingara
Piano Trio No. 1 in B-Flat Major, Op. 99: III. Scherzo: AllegroFranz Schubert, Trio Zingara
String Quartet No. 65 in E-Flat Major, Op. 76, No. 6, "Largo": IV. Finale. Allegro spiritosoJoseph Haydn, Alberini Quartet
Franz Lehár, born in 1870 in Komárom, Hungary, was a prolific composer who left an indelible mark on the world of operetta. Often hailed as the leading composer of operetta in the 20th century, Lehár's work revitalized the genre and brought it to new heights of romantic elegance. His most famous creation, "The Merry Widow" (Die lustige Witwe), remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its wit, charm, and unforgettable melodies. Lehár's journey began under the guidance of Antonín Dvořák, who encouraged him to pursue a musical career. After studying at the Prague Conservatory, Lehár traveled as a bandmaster before achieving international success with his operettas. Beyond his operettas, Lehár's repertoire includes waltzes, symphonic poems, and marches, showcasing his versatility and depth as a composer. His contributions to music continue to enchant audiences worldwide, making him a pivotal figure in the history of classical music.
Vinylscout
Franz Lehár
