Search - Richard Wagner :: The Rarer Wagner - Symphony, Overtures, Siegfried Idyll

Not the usual Wagner

Hayward H. Siegel | East Meadow, New York United States | 02/15/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So, you think that you cannot learn something new every day? Well, for those who only know Richard Wagner's music from his 10 well known operas, you are in for a surprise. Yes, there is other music composed by Wagner. This 2 CD set contains music by Wagner which is not performed that often, if ever. The set is very reasonable in price, so it will not cost you much to listen to some fine less popular music by him. There are 5 overtures from lesser known operas and incidental music, written in his younger years, as well as 3 marches, written in his maturity; one commemorates the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. There is one choral work, a 5 poem piece which was originally written for female voice and piano, however, what is recorded in this set, is a Twentieth Century arrangement for female voice and chamber orchestra. The set also includes a recording of the only completed movement to his Symphony in E, started when he was 21 years old, but abandoned during composition of the 2nd movement. Wagner did complete a Symphony in C, when he was 19 years old. The set concludes with Siegfried Idyll, a beautiful, romantic composition for chamber orchestra, and is probably the most well known work in this set. The music recorded in this set does not sound like the music in his more famous operas, but the compositions are enjoyable to hear. Try some different Wagner, you'll like it!"