Woyrsch - Symphony no. 2 and Hamlet Overture from cpo

[M. Henriksen]

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


Morten

[Alan Howe]

Excellent news, Morten. Thanks for the heads-up!

[Mark Thomas]

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...

[eschiss1]

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.

[Alan Howe]

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...

[Alan Howe]

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.

[Justin]

Alan, I'm curious how many pieces have left with you with a better impression after returning to them?

[Ilja]

Woyrsh'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]

[Alan Howe]

Alan, 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. 

[eschiss1]

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.