Unsung Composers

The Music => Composers & Music => Topic started by: Alan Howe on Saturday 22 October 2011, 20:48

Title: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Saturday 22 October 2011, 20:48
By popular demand....

Friedrich Robert Volkmann (6 April 1815 – 30 October 1883) was a German composer.

Life

He was born in Lommatzsch, Saxony, Germany. His father was a music director for a church, so he trained his son in music to prepare him as a successor. Thus Volkmann learned to play the organ and the piano with his father, as well as violin and cello, and by age 12 he was playing the cello part in String Quartets by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. In 1832 Robert Volkmann entered the Freiberg Gymnasium for the purpose of becoming a teacher. There he studied music with Anacker, who encouraged him to devote himself to music more fully. From there he went on to Leipzig in 1836 to study with Carl Friedrich Becker. In Leipzig he met Robert Schumann, who encouraged him in his studies. They met again several times after that.
When he finished his studies, he began working as voice teacher at a music school in Prague. He did not stay there long, and in 1841 he moved to Budapest where he was employed as a piano teacher and a reporter for the Allgemeine Wiener Musik-Zeitung. He composed in virtual obscurity until 1852, when his Piano Trio in B-flat minor caught the ears of Franz Liszt and Hans von Bülow, who proceeded to play it several times all over Europe. In 1854 Volkmann moved to Vienna, only to return to Budapest in 1858.
Thanks to the publisher Gustav Heckenast, who in 1857 bought the rights to publish all Volkmann's works in exchange for regular income regardless of sales, Volkmann was able to fully dedicate himself to composition, until Heckenast closed down his Budapest publishing house in the early 1870s.
While visiting Vienna in 1864, Volkmann became acquainted with Johannes Brahms, and they became close friends. In letters they addressed each other as "lieber Freund" ("dear friend").
In the 1870s Volkmann began winding down his life, composing very little. From 1875 until his death, Volkmann was professor of harmony and counterpoint at the National Academy of Music in Budapest. (Franz Liszt was the director there). Volkmann died in Budapest on 30 October 1883.

Compositions

Piano

Six Fantasy Pictures, Op. 1
Dythyrambe and Toccata, Op. 4
Souvenir de Maróth, Op. 6
Nocturne, Op. 8
Piano Sonata in C minor, Op. 12
Buch der Lieder, Op. 17
Deutsche Tanzweisen, Op. 18
Cavatine, Op. 19/1
Barcarole, Op. 19/2
Ungarische Lieder, Op. 20
Visegrád, 12 musikalische Dichtungen (12 Musical Poems), Op. 21
Der Schwur (The Oath)
Waffentanz (Sword-Dance)
Beim Bankett (At the Banquet)
Minne (Love)
Blumenstück (Flower-Garden)
Brautlied (Wedding Song)
Die Wahrsagerin (The Sybil)
Pastorale
Das Lied can Helden (Song of Heroes)
Der Page (The Page)
Soliman
Am Salomonsthurm - Elegie (At Salomon's Tower - Elegy)
4 Marches, Op. 22
Wanderskizzen, Op. 23
Fantasia, Op. 25a
Intermezzo, Op. 25b
Variations on a Theme by Handel, Op. 26
Lieder der Grossmutter, Op. 27
3 Improvisations, Op. 36
Au tombeau du Comte Széchenyi – Fantaisie, Op. 41
Ballade, Op. 51/1
Scherzetto, Op. 51/2
Variationes Humoris Causa
Variations on the Rheinweinlied
Capricietto

Piano, four hands

Ungarische Skizzen for piano, four hands, Op. 24
Lieder der Großmutter for piano, four hands, Op. 27

2 pianos

'In der Mühle' , Op. 11/1
'Der Postillon' , Op. 11/2
'Die Russen kommen' , Op. 11/3
'Auf dem See' , Op. 11/4
'Der Kuckuck und der Weihnachtsmann' , Op. 11/5
'Der Schäfer' , Op. 11/6
7 ungarische Skizzen (7 Hungarian Sketches)
Zum Empfange
Das Fischermädchen
Ernster Gang
Junges Blut
In der Kapelle
Ritterstück
Unter der Linde
Die Tageszeiten, Op. 39
3 Marches, Op. 40
Rondino and March Caprice, Op. 55
Sonatina for 2 Pianos, Op. 57

Chamber music

Romance in E major for Violin and Piano, Op. 7
Chant du Troubadour, Op. 10
Allegretto capriccioso for Violin and Piano, Op. 15
Rhapsody for Violin and Piano, Op. 31
Sonatina No. 1 for Violin and Piano, Op. 60
Sonatina No. 2 for Violin and Piano, Op. 61
Capriccio for Cello and Piano, Op. 74
Piano Trio No. 1 in F major, Op. 3
Piano Trio No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 5
String Quartet No. 1 in A minor, Op. 9
String Quartet No. 2 in G minor, Op. 14
String Quartet No. 3 in G major, Op. 34
String Quartet No. 4 in E minor, Op. 35
String Quartet No. 5 in F minor, Op. 37
String Quartet No. 6 in E flat major, Op. 43
Trio for Viola, Cello and Piano, Op. 76
Andante mit Variationen for Three Cellos
Romanza for Trumpet, Horn and Euphonium

Orchestra

Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 44
Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 53
Konzertstück for piano and orchestra, Op. 42
Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 33
An die Nacht, Fantasiestück for Viola and Orchestra, Op. 45
Fest-Ouvertüre for Orchestra, Op. 50
Serenade No. 1 in C for String Orchestra, Op. 62
Serenade No. 2 in F, Op. 63
Richard III, Overture for Orchestra, Op. 68
Serenade No. 3 in D for String Orchestra, Op. 69
Overture in C major for Orchestra

Choral Music

Mass No. 1 in D major, Op. 28
Mass No. 2 in A flat major, Op. 29
6 Songs, Op. 30
Offertorium: Osanna domino Deo, Op. 47
3 Songs, Op. 48
2 Songs, Op. 58
Weihnachtslied, Op. 59
Altdeutscher Hymnus, Op. 64
Kirchenarie, Op. 65
2 Songs, Op. 70
3 Hochzeitslieder, Op. 71
2 Works, Op. 75
Ich Halte Ihr Die Augen Zu
Abendlied

Lieder

5 Songs, Op. 2
3 Gedichte, Op. 13
3 Songs, Op. 16
3 Songs, Op. 32
3 Songs, Op. 38
Songs, Op. 36
Sappho, Op. 49
3 Songs, Op. 52
Vom Hirtenknaben, Op. 56/1
Erinnerung, Op. 56/2
3 Songs, Op. 66
6 Duets, Op. 67
3 Songs, Op. 72
An die Nacht
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Saturday 22 October 2011, 20:53
Quite a lot of Volkmann's music has been recorded. For me his best music is to be found in his 1st Symphony, which clearly influenced Borodin's 2nd (compare the opening pages!) It is a fine score, vital, propulsive and full of memorable music - absolutely worthy of revival today. For audio excerpts, follow this link (tracks 2 -5 for the Symphony):
http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/SESSIONID/14b4acb310a945e850299f20f7bd5e58/cpo/detail/-/art/Robert-Volkmann-1815-1883-S%E4mtliche-Orchesterwerke/hnum/6019596 (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/SESSIONID/14b4acb310a945e850299f20f7bd5e58/cpo/detail/-/art/Robert-Volkmann-1815-1883-S%E4mtliche-Orchesterwerke/hnum/6019596)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: britishcomposer on Saturday 22 October 2011, 21:11
You are right, Alan, the 1st is a remarkable work - even if I risk to rouse uproar: I prefer it to any Draeseke symphony. But I like the 2nd, too. It is lighter in mood and structure but nonetheless truly inspired music.

Is there any evidence, that Borodin actually KNEW the Volkmann 1st? Of course, it sounds as if he did but it would be nice to know if he really did!

BTW, the cpo cover states to present the complete orchestral works. That's wrong - as a glance at your worklist shows. Strange that they didn't consider a modern recording of the Konzertstück for piano op 42. The old one, from LP I think, clearly shows its age...
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Saturday 22 October 2011, 22:40
Volkmann's Symphony No.1 was given its Russian premiere in Moscow in 1864, so it's entirely possible that Borodin knew the work...

For me, Volkmann is not as original a composer as Draeseke, but then he really belongs to the previous generation. A better comparison would be with his contemporary Rufinatscha and here again I think Rufinatscha is ahead of Volkmann in originality (the former reaches his symphonic maturity in the 1840s with his 5th Symphony). Nevertheless, I think that Volkmann 1 is a very fine piece and ought to be in the concert repertoire today.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: eschiss1 on Saturday 22 October 2011, 23:15
Tchaikovsky definitely did know at least one of the Volkmann symphonies and it is believed to have influenced either his own first or second symphony?... (hrm. at least if memory serves. Until I can confirm that should remove "definitely" there!)... but Tchaikovsky does mention playing through one of Volkmann's serenades (at the piano? with string orchestra? not sure.) in a letter May 21/June 2 1878 to von Meck. (This from an early edition of Tchaikovsky's letters available online.)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: britishcomposer on Saturday 22 October 2011, 23:18
Quote from: Alan Howe on Saturday 22 October 2011, 22:40
Volkmann's Symphony No.1 was given its Russian premiere in Moscow in 1864, so it's entirely possible that Borodin knew the work...

Ah, fine! Borodin copied from Volkmann, de Boeck copied from Borodin, now we have to find the one who copied from de Boeck! ;)  ;D

(Yes, I remember having read a review by Tchaikovsky.)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: eschiss1 on Saturday 22 October 2011, 23:21
I first heard of Volkmann in the back-page catalog of an International Music publication (maybe a Bach cello suite transcribed for viola) where it mentioned several of his string serenades available from them; I knew Tchaikovsky's well from a recording (and was later to try to play it in a small string ensemble), so this caught my eye particularly, though it was awhile before I heard any of his music, I think.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Saturday 22 October 2011, 23:21
Volkmann clearly inspired a lot of music!
Seriously, though, he was a very fine composer and should be much better known today.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Leo K on Sunday 04 March 2012, 20:02
I'm listening to the CPO set of Volkmann's orchestral works, and absolutely love what I'm hearing!

8)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Sunday 04 March 2012, 22:16
I'm very glad. Volkmann's best music should certainly be re-admitted to the modern-day concert repertoire.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Peter1953 on Monday 05 March 2012, 20:38
And his chamber music, the string quartets and piano trios, are really superb. I strongly recommend these magnificent works (all from cpo). You'll love it!
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: petershott@btinternet.com on Monday 05 March 2012, 21:00
Seconded! Volkmann was the first vaguely 'unsung' composer I encountered 15 or so years ago. And it was the desire to acquire recordings of every single work by Volkmann that got me into the habit of devising all kinds of flimsy excuses to go visiting sometimes very distant record shops (all now closed down) and scouring every inch of shelf and grubbing around in deletions bins. Heavens, wonder how many hours in my life has been devoted to the task!

But, yes, Volkmann was a terrific find - and how sad it is that I've never seen his music - orchestral or chamber - included within a concert programme in the UK. There are some composers who seem destined to have an existence solely within a domestic record player or CD player, and that is a considerable shame. It is no more than an impression, but I always think that in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with far fewer concerts and orchestras there was in fact a far greater variety in works performed. True or false?
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: eschiss1 on Monday 05 March 2012, 21:56
It seems the last time a Volkmann work was programmed at the Proms was 1904 (and only one other time, in 1899- the Serenade No.3 both times, according to the Proms Archive site). Still, something may have been performed elsewhere more recently, will check I think... Bachtrack.com doesn't turn up anything anywhere this year but that's hardly complete.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Saturday 31 August 2013, 03:06
It sure sounds like Borodin was influenced by Volkmann. Until I picked up this CPO recording the only experience I had with Volkmann was the Overture to Richard III on the Battle Music Naxos recording. I've listened to the 1st Symphony all day and haven't even gotten to the other CD in the set. It is a wonderful work worthy of being performed. People would really like it.
Tom :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: eschiss1 on Saturday 31 August 2013, 03:48
Ah, I find a PDF from a group that gave what they call the "London "premiere""- second pair of quotes theirs - of Volkmann's B-flat minor trio back in 1995... (search on e.g. Google for Volkmann 1995 trio, or something like that. The group seems to be called The Chamber Music Society...
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Saturday 31 August 2013, 14:33
I'm surprised that Naxos hasn't recorded him other than on the battle music CD.
Tom
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: eschiss1 on Saturday 31 August 2013, 16:22
Well, hopefully that's a "yet".
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Sunday 01 September 2013, 00:38
His first symphony is top drawer in my book.
Tom
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Wednesday 04 September 2013, 17:47
I've spent the morning comparing the Richard III overtures on the cpo and naxos labels. As far as I know the Battle Music CD is still available through classicsonline.
Tom
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: LateRomantic75 on Sunday 08 September 2013, 17:19
I really enjoy Volkmann's music, especially the two symphonies. They have a drama, sweep and concision that is almost unequalled in mid-romantic music. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Volkmann never settled for "pleasantness" alone in his music; there's plenty of substance to be found in it.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Mark Thomas on Sunday 08 September 2013, 17:22
An excellent summary of Volkmann's strengths, if I may say so.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: LateRomantic75 on Sunday 08 September 2013, 17:24
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Sunday 08 September 2013, 17:22
An excellent summary of Volkmann's strengths, if I may say so.

Thank you, Mark! :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Peter1953 on Sunday 08 September 2013, 19:50
LateRomantic75, do you recognize a similarity between Volkmann and Goldmark? I do.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Sunday 08 September 2013, 20:23
Can you explain in what way you think they are similar, Peter?
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: LateRomantic75 on Sunday 08 September 2013, 21:13
Quote from: Peter1953 on Sunday 08 September 2013, 19:50
LateRomantic75, do you recognize a similarity between Volkmann and Goldmark? I do.

Hmmmm.....Goldmark's music is generally less high-strung than Volkmann's, but they both show considerable melodic and structural talent. Also, there are folksy elements in some of Goldmark's works (most obviously in the Rustic Wedding Symphony) that aren't found in Volkmann's music. On the topic of Goldmark, I found a lot of orchestral works of his (mainly overtures) on YouTube that aren't available commercially. They're all lovely works. :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Sunday 08 September 2013, 21:29
I'd say Volkmann's music falls in that interesting gap between Schumann and Brahms - alongside Raff, Dietrich, Goetz, Reinecke, etc. Goldmark is really half a generation later, with all that that implies for the development of his musical style.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: JimL on Monday 09 September 2013, 06:06
Quote from: LateRomantic75 on Sunday 08 September 2013, 21:13
Quote from: Peter1953 on Sunday 08 September 2013, 19:50
LateRomantic75, do you recognize a similarity between Volkmann and Goldmark? I do.

Hmmmm.....Goldmark's music is generally less high-strung than Volkmann's, but they both show considerable melodic and structural talent. Also, there are folksy elements in some of Goldmark's works (most obviously in the Rustic Wedding Symphony) that aren't found in Volkmann's music. On the topic of Goldmark, I found a lot of orchestral works of his (mainly overtures) on YouTube that aren't available commercially. They're all lovely works. :)
A lot of those overtures on YT are probably downloaded from our Archives.  :D
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Monday 09 September 2013, 17:20
I've really been completely won over by his first symphony and the Richard III overture even though it is somewhat of a patchwork work. I'm fond of many of these overtures such as Hamlet Fantasy.
Tom
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Saturday 14 March 2015, 15:58
https://sdtom.wordpress.com/2015/03/14/richard-iii-overture-op-68volkmann/ (https://sdtom.wordpress.com/2015/03/14/richard-iii-overture-op-68volkmann/)

A short review of Richard III
Tom :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Gauk on Sunday 15 March 2015, 10:03
I have been listening to some of Volkmann's piano music and piano duets. They are effectively salon music, but if you like salon music (as I do) they are very good, and I expect, very commercial in their day.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Sunday 15 March 2015, 15:43
Have a listen to the Swedish Dances. A fairly short work (7+) each one is based on a province.
Tom :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: adriano on Sunday 15 March 2015, 15:53
Since Goldmark is mentioned: I also allow myself to intrude with an out-of-theme subject to say that a splendid recording of 4 of his Overtures was pusblished by Hungaroton in 1985.

And about Volkmann: I adore his two Symphonies; that cpo recording including 2 Overtures and his Cello Concerto is also remarkable. And I like this music without always being in need to compare it without other contemporaries  ;)

@eschiss1: Rubinstein, in his review of Tchaikovsky's Cantata "Kradosti" ("To Joy") writes: ... I will say only that Messrs. Reintahler and Volkmann would rejoice unutterably at this cantata, and would exclaim ecstatically: "our numbers have been increased!" (See: David Brown, Tchaikovsky, Vol.1).
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Sunday 15 March 2015, 22:11
QuoteAnd I like this music without always being in need to compare it without other contemporaries
Quite right!

QuoteSince Goldmark is mentioned: I also allow myself to intrude with an out-of-theme subject to say that a splendid recording of 4 of his Overtures was pusblished by Hungaroton in 1985

Thanks! I've duly ordered a copy.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Gareth Vaughan on Sunday 15 March 2015, 22:30
I love Volkmann's music and I eagerly bought the CPO set of "Complete orchestral music", but was disappointed to find that it was NOT the complete orchestral music. The Konzertstuck for piano and orchestra was missing. This is a lovely piece, once available on Vox/Turnabout. That performance was OK, but we really do need a modern recording of this piece.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: FBerwald on Monday 16 March 2015, 03:12
Dear Gareth, the Konzertstuck might eventually appear on the Hyperion RPC series.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Gauk on Monday 16 March 2015, 08:32
Reading this thread, I thought I must get the set of the orchestral music; then I thought, "Surely I have it already?". A quick search of the shelves and there it was, unplayed for a long while. So having listened now to the first symphony, I am inclined to agree with the praise bestowed on it by the other posters here.

As to the opening, there is no question in my mind but that Borodin lifted it. How interesting! You never see mention of it in notes on Borodin's 2nd, nor is it pointed out in the notes on the Volkmann.

The influence on Tchaikovsky is also clear. The slow movement sometimes sounds as if it is going to wander off into the Pathetique.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Rainolf on Sunday 22 March 2015, 21:37
There wasn't much written about Volkmann's string quartets here. Having listened to Nos. 2 and 5, I found them beautiful and enjoyable music in the most parts. The finale of No. 2 seems me a little problematic: It's not a bad conclusion, but though it is the longest movement of the work, its episodic structure and the Coda in modo brillante (which is too short and has only a superficial connection to the rest of the movement) make it a somewhat lightweight piece. But the previous movements are very fine. No. 5 is surely one of the most original string quartets written in the middle of the 19th century. It's fascinating, how Volkmann develops the permanently pulsating first movement from a simple semiquaver figure and how he varies the material of the second group everytime it appears. Similar variation procedures dominate the second movement. The third movement starts as a Scherzo with Trio, but then, after an Andante Intermezzo, develops into a furious Coda, which concludes the whole work. The third movement has on its way turned from a Scherzo into a Finale. This quartet makes me a striking impression.

Don't forget Volkmanns 200th birthday on 6th April!

Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Sunday 22 March 2015, 22:13
Thanks for that post. Must get my copies out and have a proper listen...
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Sunday 29 March 2015, 18:14
Has anyone heard a Russian recording conducted by Rozdesvensky of the Richard III overture? I was told that it is outstanding.
Tom :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Sunday 29 March 2015, 20:02
The Rozhdestvensky performance of the Richard III Overture can be heard here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGOPwVQr_r0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGOPwVQr_r0)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: eschiss1 on Monday 30 March 2015, 13:03
It can also be heard in a Brilliant Classics 2009 (10) CD set - see e.g. http://www.worldcat.org/title/gennady-rozhdestvensky-edition/oclc/708263722 (http://www.worldcat.org/title/gennady-rozhdestvensky-edition/oclc/708263722).  Of interest if one has access to a library with the set in its possession, anyways (Brown, Stanford, or another.)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Monday 30 March 2015, 15:04
Quote from: eschiss1 on Monday 30 March 2015, 13:03
It can also be heard in a Brilliant Classics 2009 (10) CD set - see e.g. http://www.worldcat.org/title/gennady-rozhdestvensky-edition/oclc/708263722 (http://www.worldcat.org/title/gennady-rozhdestvensky-edition/oclc/708263722).  Of interest if one has access to a library with the set in its possession, anyways (Brown, Stanford, or another.)

I'm considering this but the cost is $40.00 for the 10 CD set. I did listen to the recording I was asking about and I was very impressed but also found three more versions to listen to on youtube.
Thanks for the info
Tom :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: semloh on Thursday 02 April 2015, 00:53
Are we saying that the Rozhd. version of the Richard III Overture is superior to the Albert version on CPO?
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Friday 03 April 2015, 15:44
I think of the three recordings the Rozhd. is the best
Tom :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Friday 03 April 2015, 16:43
Any reasons, please?
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Friday 03 April 2015, 22:29
Having taken into account the inferior audio from you tube I have the feeling that Rozhd. and the orchestra had a definite fondness for this work and the conducting and playing certainly conveyed that feeling. I could feel how exuberant they were. I only wish there was a way to get that one CD as I have many Shostakovitch recordings in my collection which takes up several CD's.
Tom :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: semloh on Tuesday 07 April 2015, 09:02
Interesting. I often feel that Rozhd. gets unwarranted short shrift from reviewers. I don't understand why you mention Shostakovich, Tom, but we must not get side-tracked!  ;)

Any more recordings of Volkmann on the horizon, anyone?
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Tuesday 07 April 2015, 13:15
I made mention of Shostakovich because to get the Richard III disc would mean the purchase of a 10 CD set which includes a fair amount of Shostakovich material. How do others on the forum feel about the different recordings?
Tom
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: semloh on Monday 20 April 2015, 05:12
Ah, sorry Tom, I missed that!
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: sdtom on Monday 20 April 2015, 12:10
I need to make myself clearer sometimes
Tom :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: eschiss1 on Monday 20 April 2015, 13:11
I know of no new commercial recordings of Volkmann on the way, but I see some new performances (not CD/LP/etc.-rips, but live performances from the last year-or-so) of works of his on YouTube, e.g. his 2nd serenade (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC2CUWPWNRI) (from a Dutch television station? TVSoest?);
his cello concerto (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i_decNJaEg) (Hila Karni, cello, Max Pommer, Hamburg Camerata).
His Schlummerlied Op.76 does form a small part of a 2013 concert given at Westmont College here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCeSxuYPFlE) (by a trio of viola, cello and piano, in that part of the concert).
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Mazurka on Wednesday 14 October 2015, 19:29
Finally I have found a place, where some people are talking about Volkmann, who is my topic in my dissertation.  :)
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Wednesday 14 October 2015, 21:05
Welcome, Mazurka! Do tell us about your dissertation...
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Pyramus on Saturday 03 February 2024, 14:30
Volkmann's Symphony no. 1 is being played by the West Mendip Orchestra at Uphill, Weston-super-Mare, on Friday 22nd March. I'm in Exeter so could get there. No idea what the orchestra is like or how they came to choose this work. The similarity of the opening, which I've just listened to on YouTube, to the start of Borodin 2 has already been mentioned.
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Saturday 03 February 2024, 16:00
Details of the concert here:
https://west-mendip-orchestra.org.uk/
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Pyramus on Sunday 24 March 2024, 09:50
I attended the West Mendip Orchestra's concert on Friday and the Volkmann symphony seemed to be well received by the audience. Members of the orchestra I spoke to enjoyed playing it. The conductor liked to choose unusual works and was aware of Christopher Fifield's book on the German symphony, so perhaps he'll come up with one of the other works reviewed on this forum. 
Title: Re: Robert Volkmann
Post by: Alan Howe on Sunday 24 March 2024, 09:55
Good news - and an encouraging report. Thanks very much for posting this.