Maybe, just maybe are cpo now embarking on a cycle of recordings of Woyrsch' orchestral music (I wouldn't be surprised!).
MD&G recorded the 1st. Symphony back in 1994, and it's seems obvious that they won't release any followups.
I wasn't impressed by the music on that disc, I shall give it another go. And I will look forward to this release! To my knowledge the 2nd symphony receives its first recording here. It's in C major and was composed in 1914.
I don't have any info about the Overture, yet..
http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/cpo/detail/-/art/Felix-Woyrsch-1860-1944-Symphonie-Nr-2-op-60/hnum/4916775 (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/cpo/detail/-/art/Felix-Woyrsch-1860-1944-Symphonie-Nr-2-op-60/hnum/4916775)
Morten
Excellent news, Morten. Thanks for the heads-up!
I do agree Morten, Woyrsch's First didn't really set the world on fire but it's good nonetheless to see the Second become available. Hope springs eternal...
Someone was going to upload his 6th in manuscript to IMSLP at one point but never did, but one of his 6(? apparently 5 published, one without given number) string quartets (No.1, published 1910) -is- there (along with a recording by the SBB :) ). Looking forward to the new cpo and hoping a series of the symphonies and other works- and a reasonable pace of releases that doesn't rush the conductor is fine by me if it helps produce better performances :) - is on the way.
This new CD is certainly not going to set the world on fire, but it has some solid virtues. Thus, Woyrsch's 2nd Symphony (an expansive 48-minute piece) is clearly in line of descent from Brahms (as is his 1st), but also plunders other sound-worlds (Bruckner, for example, towards the end of the slow movement). Overall, it's a reflective, sometimes jolly work at heart, but contains some typical Woyrschian flare-ups at various key points; the finale certainly builds up a good head of steam by the end. Altogether a nice listen - a piece which will no doubt repay repeated listenings.
Now, for a true master symphonist, cpo could turn their attention to Wilhelm Berger...
Discussion elsewhere of Woyrsch's 'Nullte' has persuaded me to revisit the composer's 2nd Symphony - and I must say that, after all these years, it has really impressed as a beautifully written work of considerable substance and originality, in a recognisably post-Brahmsian idiom full of rhythmic variety. I should have gone back to it long ago.
Alan, I'm curious how many pieces have left with you with a better impression after returning to them?
Quote from: Mark Thomas on Tuesday 12 August 2025, 16:35Woyrsh's Study Symphony may be his first attempt but, for all the deliberate imitation of Brahms, its first two movements are very much to my taste - more, I must admit, than any of his mature works. Like Alan, I do hope that a recording will be forthcoming soon.
I'm very fond of Woyrsch' later stuff too, to be honest, because it shares something with this work that makes it somewhat un-Brahmsian: a dramatic, almost theatrical aspect. His move in later years towards ever greater succinctness, while holding on to an essentially Brahmsian idiom, is also a very interesting form of innovation, and something he shares with that other post-Brahmsian, Röntgen.
[I moved this reaction over from the "Brahms Nullte" thread in the Recordings forum]
Quote from: Justin on Tuesday 12 August 2025, 17:36Alan, I'm curious how many pieces have left with you with a better impression after returning to them?
I've lost count! I'd like to think that experience is a factor, but the reality is probably that I need to listen more carefully the first time - and then listen again. It's just as well I'm not a professional critic as I'd get it wrong most of the time.
My opinion of a professional critic improves with honesty and humanity so long as I'm convinced they put the work in as much as possible :), but I'm not normal.