Search - Korngold, Richter, Bruckner Orchestra Linz :: Fairytale Pictures

Is variety the indicator of great talent?

A. G. Plumb | Melbourne, Australia | 03/20/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It may well be that we are at the cusp of that point in a composer's history - some 50 years after their death - that they make the ascent to true greatness. 'Die Tote Stadt' has always been a great favourite of mine. Its theme of self-denial is so alien to modern culture with its me-me-me emphasis. It could well be that Korngold may temper this in time, when opera companies start reviving this opera. And what else do we have in store from Korngold, what other operas yet to be rediscovered? If this disc is an indicator I will keep exploring Korngold with enthusiasm. I had previously learnt to enjoy the violin concerto, a few shorter orchestral works and the F sharp symphony, but the sheer variety of this disc surprised me. We range from youthful endeavours full of rich orchestration to mature works. But what really surprised and delighted me in this were the Strauss homages - 'Tales of Strauss' and 'Straussiana'. It seems to me that it is a strong mind that can pay homage to another - and not a famous one like Bach who everyone has a go at arranging - for entirely personal reasons. Korngold enjoyed Strauss (yes, this is Johanne not Richard) and publicly displays this. We know that Brahms admired Strauss immensely but I don't know of any similar homages from Brahms. Korngold is not always immediately to my liking but so much of it is so enjoyable that I wonder if it is just unfamiliarity that is triggering my doubts. This disc may well go a long way to absolving those doubts."

Prerequisite Korngold...

vmzfla | Orlando, Fl. | 05/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone in love with Korngold's legendary film scores of the 30's and 40's

will find this disc indispensible. His personality and unmistakable style

is present throughtout. At just 13 he began orchestrating compositions of other composers such as Beethoven's piano sonatas. His first attempt on orchestrating his own early music was the "Fairytale Pictures", delightful whimsical tunes describing the moods of each story. The rousing "Fairy King's Ball" and "The Goblins" exhibited techniques that were used throughout his career. "Violanta" a tale of lust, murder, and revenge is musically exotic and mysterious, features an exhilarating huge climax. Be amazed, how a boy at 17 without sexual experience could write so erotically! The "Schauspiel Over."(Over. to a drama) composed from Korngold's 14yr. old head, without sketches, echoes Shakespeare, but there was no play in mind. Already one will notice the mature orchestral technicolor pallet he became famous for. Korngold was an expert on the music of both Johann Strauss's and on these two compositions included here he reworks them instrumentally. "Straussiana" is based on three little known Strauss works, orchestrated in that composer's tradition. It is Korngold's last completed work. Franz Kopriva with Korngold's permission orchestrated his Strauss piano fantasia,"Tales of Strauss" intermingling several Strauss themes. It was a concert hit in the early 30s! "Theme and Variations" uses a simple Irish folk tune which features seven contrasting variations. The performance is consistently good throughout and the sound lacks just the last degree of refinement. Excellent annotation is included."