Joseph Lauber Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5

[Justin]

Amazing how many works he wrote. Do you know Fred if the label is planning to do any further recordings of Lauber?

[Ilja]

As a paleontology specialist, I must say that the Jurassic Suite sounds intriguing (even if it is probably named after the mountain range rather than the geological era).

[adcsound]

Dear friends,

http://www.adcsound.ch/VideosPhotosDocuments/UnsungComposer/Lauber_Index_des_oeuvres_par_genres.pdf

Complete.

Fred.

[Justin]

As a paleontology specialist, I must say that the Jurassic Suite sounds intriguing (even if it is probably named after the mountain range rather than the geological era).

Jurassienne would be referring to the Jura Mountains in Northern Switzerland.

[Alan Howe]

These are fascinating works by a composer with a distinctive voice all of his own. Frequent changes of mood, superb use of the orchestra and moments of sublime beauty characterise this music. More when I've listened properly, but please do support this adventurous project.

Oh, and the orchestra plays with real love and commitment - a tribute to conductor, Kaspar Zehnder.

[Alan Howe]

If I were going to characterise these two symphonies, I'd use words like 'open air' and 'kaleidoscopic'. They are truly unlike any symphonies I can think of. They're hugely enjoyable - even if my personal favourite remains No.3.

[Justin]

Particularly in the second movement of the fourth symphony. I have the feeling that Lauber is precariously hanging on tonality and does the most he can with it. The closest thing that I could tie it to is Tournemire's "Moscow 1913" symphony due to its inspiration of church bells, although that is where the comparison ends. This has a much more pastoral sound to it which I imagine is what is uniquely Swiss about it, and to contrast it with the opening minuet of the 3rd movement is very well done. Elegance is how I described his previous symphonies and it still remains the case here.

[Ilja]

Very enjoyable music, and as Alan said, quite a distinctive voice. Although I'm not a huge believer in ascribing musical expression to nationality, the only thing this reminds me of is Volkmar Andreae's later music (particularly his Kleine Suite and Notturno & Scherzo).


Edit: A quick Google reveals that the Lauber brothers and Andreae in fact produced a musical piece together c. 1940: La gloire qui chante : poème dramatique avec prologue.

[adcsound]

Dear friends,

First reviews:
https://www.pizzicato.lu/fantasie-und-wohlklang-im-ersten-weltkrieg/
and
http://www.adcsound.ch/VideosPhotosDocuments/UnsungComposer/Orf1_Schweizer-Wiederentdeckung.mp3

Cheers from Bern,

Fred.

[John Boyer]

It would appear you've saved the best for last.  I've enjoyed the entire series, but 4 and especially 5 are truly remarkable.  It thought of Mahler and Sibelius the entire time, yet without ever thinking of this as being an imitation of either, just in the same family.

[eschiss1]

As this disk (and 1&2 but not 3&6) seem to be available at Amazon Music I look forward to giving them a listen.

[adcsound]

Dear friends,

I am very proud to inform you that the Lauber cds vol.2 AND vol.3 are nominated for the Opus Klassik 2022 in the following categories:
World première recording (x2)
Symphonic recording (x2)
Orchestra of the year (x2)

Thank you for the support you have given to this work.
With kind regards,
Fred.

https://opusklassik.de/kategorien-nominierte/

[Alan Howe]

Very many congratulations! Thoroughly deserved!

[Ilja]

Indeed. This is how you'd wish any rediscovery of an unsung composer to be handled. Much respect.