Joseph Rheinberger, best known for his organ compositions and deservedly so, also wrote some wonderful choral works (there's are nice collections on Chandos, ASV, Dorian,Hyperion and Paraclete and a lovely Christmas oratorio 'Der Stern von Bethlehem' on Capriccio) some for chorus and organ and some with orchestra. There are some very lovely masses and motets well worth hearing.
There are also some very lovely chamber works for violin & organ (available on Naxos) and violin, cello and organ (available on Helios) plus other more traditional forms (I would heartily recommend the complete chamber music set on Thorofon). I am particularly fond of the violin & organ suite.
I see his piano concerto has already been mentioned in other threads in the forum.
Any other interesting (non-organ) works by Rheinberger that I may have missed?
Rheinberger can be marvelous when he's working in the right medium. The big orchestra pieces don't always convince me: the Florentine Symphony exhaustingly works over it's opening motiv like a terrier with a rat, and Wallenstein just seems short of imagination and good tunes (but I'll go listen to it again tonight.) The vorspiel to Die sieben Raben has no whiff of the theatre, but I'd be curious to hear the opera--at least once.
The piano concerto has its moments, but reminds me of the Lalo pc...awkwardly conceived for the instrument. The organ concertos are much better: real charmers, and No.2 was a barn-burner in the hands of E.Power Biggs on the old Columbia vinyl (nla). No recent recording of the organ concertos is equally successful, IMO.
But far and away my favorite Rheinberger is the chamber music. The piano quartet, Op. 38 is gorgeous, and on the old Thorofon disc it was coupled with excellent sonatas for cello and horn, both full of heart and brimming with memorable tunes. Try to find them...
David
Another pleasant piece is the Sonata for Piano four-hands in C minor, Op. 122 (1881) on the Centaur label (1999), coupled with other piano music for four-hands, namely Rubinstein's Sonata in D Major, Op. 89 and a rare one, Converse's Valzer Poetici, Op. 5.
Some members won't be surprised when I say that Rubinstein is by far the best of this CD.
I'm very fond of Rheinberger's Piano Concerto too.
I have not got a great deal of experience outside of the concerto, but have played a barcarolle and a couple of his etudes that were not exactly special.
I plan to look at the sonatas at sometime in the future.
Thal
I'd give a most warm recommendation to a 2CD set of the 4 Piano Trios (Opp. 34, 112, 121, 191a) by the Trio Parnassus on Dabringhaus und Grimm. Lovely stuff!
Then there is the Nonet Op 139 and Sextet Op 191b by the Consortium Classicum on the same label.
I'm in partial disagreement with another view on an earlier posting (can't remember who!) re. some of the orchestral music. It strikes me as fine stuff - and little to do with terrier dogs!
Some years ago, I bought at a secondhand music shop, the score of his Piano Sonata in D flat major, Op.99. I played it through and I thought it was wonderful. I even eventually found a recording, in which it is coupled with 2 other sonatas - Op.47 and 135. I think it's the best of these 3. The CD is on Centaur, number CRC 2648 and the pianist is Antonio Pompa-Baldi. I'm sorry to say I've not heard much else but hope to become acquainted with some time soon!
I absolutely adore the Florentine Symphony. It's too long, I know, but who can resist the fund of melody it contains? Do try it if you haven't heard it...
I, too, am terribly fond of the piano concerto. I find it to be much more idiomatic than the Lalo, and it was one of the first works I ever heard that brought to my attention the treasures to be found in the unsung repertoire (thanks to the old Adrian Ruiz LP in the Santa Monica Library). The Lalo has terribly clunky piano writing, and the virtuosic element seems to have been thrown in as an afterthought. A while ago I heard Rheinberger's Piano Quintet in C, Op. 114 on the Time-Warner Classical Masterpiece channel. I'd sure like to hear it again soon.
"...I find it to be much more idiomatic than the Lalo..."
Absolutely. The Lalo is not idiomatic at all.
"...The Lalo has terribly clunky piano writing..."
Oh yes. See above. On the other hand, Lalo's tunes are better and he's a better orchestrator, IMO.
"...and the virtuosic element seems to have been thrown in as an afterthought..."
Agreed, but to me this is something it has in common with the Rheinberger. Plus, for me, R's 'stentorian' chordal statements fall flat...I can't help thinking he's got organ sonorities in mind.
Once again, I love much Rheinberger...but not everything.
David
Hello jhudock & Jonathon,
The Rheinberger Piano Sonatas opp.47,99,135 are available on Centaur #CRC2648.
A few years ago I bought the complete Chamber Music - 6CDs on Thorofon #BCTH 2161/6.
Another disc worth mentioning is the Symphonic Tone Picture for Large Orchestra,Wallenstein, op10, a giant work lasting 55
minutes, on Signum SIG X50-00. Also on this disc is the Prelude to the Opera The Seven Ravens.
Marcus
A comprehensive survey of Rheinberger's piano music has been done by pianist Jurg Hanselmans for the Prezioso label (available from JPC in Germany) on 9 CDs (all available separately) which includes all four of his sonatas for solo piano. Apart from the sonatas, the suites of smaller pieces, studies, etc. are attractive but uneven.
I was mightily impressed by the high lyricism and mature craft in the E-flat major sonata, opus 135. Looking forward to getting to know more Rheinberger -- starting with the D-flat sonata that Jonathan mentions. Is a publisher's name handy?
The complete works of Rheinberger has been published by Carus Verlag, but Bill Gates would think twice about buying them.
Cheaper to get library copies for study purposes. Or at least, that is what i did.
Thal
QuoteThe Rheinberger Piano Sonatas opp.47,99,135 are available on Centaur #CRC2648.
I don't have a copy of the piano sonatas. I will get the cd and give them a listen. Thanks for the suggestion.
Quote'd give a most warm recommendation to a 2CD set of the 4 Piano Trios (Opp. 34, 112, 121, 191a) by the Trio Parnassus
I have the piano trios from the Throfon set with the Gobel trio. Do you think the Parnassus performance was particularly worthwhile or are you just recommending the trios? Curiously, the Thorofon set doesn't have the Op 191a. I wonder if it's an arrangement of something else. The sextet is Op 191b.
QuoteAnother disc worth mentioning is the Symphonic Tone Picture for Large Orchestra,Wallenstein, op10
While I have been more firmly attached to the choral and chamber works (and the organ music) I don't remember my impression of the Wallenstein. I have the recording of Wallenstein with the Frankfurt PO on Sigum (as far as I'm aware it's the only recording). I will have to give it another chance.
QuoteI absolutely adore the Florentine Symphony
I have to give it another listen too. I don't remember it making a strong impression when I listened to it. I have it with the Nordwestdeustch PO, which again I think is the only recording. The CD lists it as symphony No 2, I have never seen a recording of No 1. Anyone know anything about it or if there is a No 3+?
Quote from: chill319 on Wednesday 24 February 2010, 11:12
...the D-flat sonata that Jonathan mentions. Is a publisher's name handy?
Hi Chill319,
it was published by Rob Forgerg in Leipzig, obviously many years ago as the music has certainly seen better days! It lists lots of other works by other composers we are familiar with here, e.g. Reinecke, Jadassohn, Henselt and Hiller, to name but four.
Hope this helps!
Indeed, it was published by Rob Forberg and sold for 3Mk.50pf. according to my copy.
I think this one will be the first i will have a go at. Looks reasonably straight forward and easier than the Romantische Sonata.
Thal
At my church here in Manhattan, St Mary the Virgin, the choir occasionally sings a Mass by Rheinberger which is absolutely beautiful. Rich full choral writing and lovely harmonies. I would be interested in hearing more of his music.
Steven
Hello jhudock,
The Wallenstein op10 is the symphony no1. I quote from the booklet:
"Early in 1866, Rheinberger began working on a Symphony that he titled 'Wallenstein' - Symphonic Tone Painting in D minor for Large Orchestra op10 ...."
The work is a cross between symphonic poem & symphony, with the 4 movements entiotled : Vorspiel (14'53"),Thekla (12'34"), Wallensteins Lager (11'09"), Wallensteins Tod (16'19")
Rheinberger also wrote a Fantasia for Orchestra op79.
Marcus
Thanks for the info Marcus. I'm a little disappointed that there is not an unrecorded Sym #1 out there somewhere.
I have his four piano trios and plan to have one performed in the 2011-12 season at Conway Hall in London.
I don't understand why they are so little known
Giles Enders
Have you noticed this new double cd?
(http://www.jpc.de/image/w600/front/0/4010072015327.jpg)
Quote from: Empfindsamer on Wednesday 30 June 2010, 01:14
Have you noticed this new double cd?
New CD, but are the performances new or reissues of performances that were released on 2 CDs on the label Signum in 1994-5 or so? :) (I've heard some but not all of them. The reissue is welcome, of course.)
Eric
Ah, I didn't know the Signum release, sorry... :)
I want that discs! Rheinberger was a very good composer!
Another one for the wish list... :o
Any opinions of this CD?
Sextett Op. 191b (Hungaroton, DDD, 2003)
Rheinberger, Joseph (1839-1901)
+Nonett in Es op.139 Künstler: Gyöngyössy, Csizmadia, Klenyan, Cserna, Bizjak, Nagy, Lakatos, Somogyi, Melis, Vamos, Lukacshazi
QuoteHave you noticed this new double cd?
Can you give details of the CD, please? Record company and where it may be purchased. It looks like a reissue of the performance on Signum - which is no bad thing, since that disk is deleted and currently appears offered for "silly" prices.
Quote from: Gareth Vaughan on Sunday 04 July 2010, 22:42
QuoteHave you noticed this new double cd?
Can you give details of the CD, please? Record company and where it may be purchased. It looks like a reissue of the performance on Signum - which is no bad thing, since that disk is deleted and currently appears offered for "silly" prices.
It's on Christophorus. MDT will soon have it. http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product//CHE1532.htm (http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product//CHE1532.htm)
What about the Piano Quintet in C major. Talk about unsung! I have only found one recording of this on Thorofon. It is a beautiful piece with heartwarming melodies that would remind you of Dvorak.
The piano quintet is one of my favourite Rheinberger pieces. I am very fond of much of his chamber music. I splashed out on the Thorofon boxed set when it was released and am pretty well pleased with it even if the sound and the performances are not all at a consistently high level. The piano quartet comes a close second or is perhaps even equal to the quintet as far as I'm concerned.
I already have the individual CDs in the new orchestral works set from when they first came out. I think his best orchestral work is the Florentiner Symphony, released by Carus (? I think...) - what an expansive canvas and what uplifting music, as far as material goes almost an embarrassment of riches!
A very rewarding artist all round, I'd say.
I am mightily impressed by the superb pianism of Antonio Pompa-Baldi on the Centaur CD of the piano sonatas, Op.47, 99 and 135. Indeed, this must surely be one of the best discs of Rheinberger's music in the current catalogue: superb playing, superior sound and some of the composer's finest music - in the Schumann-Brahms tradition for sure, but with Rheinberger's uncanny gift for winning melody and beautiful textures. Try the C major sonata's opening movement: just sublime!
I have only recently discovered Rheinberger but am already a convert to his music, orchestral music that is. I first purchased the Wallenstein symphony (the two CDs on Christopheros) and absolutely loved it - a dense work with lots and lots of musical ideas to appreciate : I particularly liked the main theme of the third movement - very memorable. I then purchased the Florentiner symphony and found that work hugely enjoyable also. On Mark's recommendation, I then bought the PC (coupled with the Sgambatti PC). Again, I very much enjoyed both works. I have not as yet got around to listening to any of the organ concertos for which he is better known. Both the Wallenstein and Florentiner symphonies are longuish works (each in excess of 50 mins duration) but the time, for me at least, passes swiftly by!
Cheers
Dennis
The Organ Concertos are interesting because, against all expectations, neither of them is a monumental work. Both manage to be quite intimate, or domestic, in scale and one of them, I can't immediately remember which, has a very pared-down orchestra. That said, they are chock full of winning melody and are a delight from beginning to end.
Quote from: DennisS on Thursday 12 August 2010, 01:18
Both the Wallenstein and Florentiner symphonies are longuish works (each in excess of 50 mins duration) but the time, for me at least, passes swiftly by!
I agree absolutely. I wasn't sure if he would be able to sustain his inspiration throughout the long Florentiner Symphony but he really does. I'm very fond of the piece.
I haven't heard the organ concertos either but there seem to be some quite reasonably priced recordings out there. Does anyone have any recommendations?
I regard Rheinberger's organ concertos as brilliant. The use of the French horn gives a unique colour to some movements. I have two recordings of his organ concertos. Both have (different) solo violin/cello + organ works wedged in between. I feel if these works could have been transcribed for string orchestra and organ, they would have been very, very pleasant. So far I have not come across such transcriptions.
I like to buy both Organ Concertos. Which CD do you recommend?
I would strongly recommend the following recording: http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/Drilldown?name_id1=10069&name_role1=1&comp_id=910&bcorder=15&name_id=22925&name_role=2. Ignore what the Fanfare reviewer says. It's the best available recording of both Organ Concertos and includes the beautiful Suite for Violin and Organ as a bonus. I first became acquainted with these glorious concertos in 1976 when I purchased the E. Power Biggs recording. It's difficult to choose favorite moments in these works, but if pinned down, I would pick the gorgeous D flat major slow movement of #1, the haunting second theme of the first movement of #2, and the fiery finale of #2.
I have what may be the same suite (op.166 in C minor?) for violin and organ in a violin and piano arrangement along with Rheinberger's violin sonatas played by Jurgen Besig and Christian Brembeck on Christophorus (1990). Really good disc all three works I think (the 2nd violin sonata was also transcribed from E minor to E-flat minor for clarinet and piano but this version I have not heard.)
Eric
Thanks for your recommendation, Jamie.
I've bought the Complete Edition of the Chamber Music. This 6 CD set features very beautiful works. See here (http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/Joseph-Rheinberger-S%E4mtliche-Kammermusik/hnum/6823721)
At least 8 Volumes of his Piano Music played by Jürg Hanselmann have been released by Prezioso. Does anybody has one or more of these CD's and if so, what is your opinion?
For those who read German there is an interesting website about Rheinberger. See www.rheinberger.li (http://www.rheinberger.li) It features amongst others a list of his opus numbers. Click on (1) 'Komponist und Pädagoge', (2) 'Werk' and (3) 'nach Opuszahlen'.
Thanks for pointing that out. I think I've seen it before, and when I noticed how little information the worklist IMSLP links to gives out (it's Carus trying to advertise their edition and nothing more or less, that other site is), wanted to find this one but had no luck. Glad to be able to link to it!
Good for you Sir; a hugely underestimated composer. I 'found' his organ concertos 35 years ago, lost my recordings, and honestly, of late, was beginning to wonder if I'd just imagined he wrote 2 of them. Couldn't find them, or anything else of his, for love or money.
As a huge fan of requiems, I'll go with that as his next greatest work, but am open to suggestion !