Ferdinand Thieriot: Chamber Music, Volume Two
The Hamburg-born Ferdinand Thieriot (1838–1919) not only shared a teacher – Eduard Marxsen – with Brahms; both composers use a very similar musical language, one which is richly melodic and effortlessly contrapuntal. The musicologist Wilhelm Altmann wrote that ‘Thieriot’s chamber music is without exception noble and pure. He writes with perfect command of form and expression’ – as the works on this second Toccata Classics volume prove, in their exquisite balance of depth and beauty.
Hamburg Chamber Players
Ian Mardon, violin
Matthias Brommann, violin
Julia Mensching, viola
Olga Dowbusch-Lubotsky, cello
Suren Anisonyan, cello
Clovis Michon, cello
Andrea Merlo, piano
Alexander Bürkle, organ
Listen To This Recording:
Quintet in G Major for Two Violins, Viola and Two Cellos (1914) (27:11)
- I. Allegro (10:04)
- II. Lento (7:10)
- III. Presto (3:03)
- IV. Allegro non troppo (6:54)
2 Adagios for Viola or Violoncello and Organ, Op. 41 (1887) (9:14)
- No. 1, Adagio molto mesto (4:51)
- No. 2, Adagio ma non troppo (4:23)
Four Fantasy Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 28 (1875) (11:57)
- No. 1, Quasi Andante (3:38)
- No. 2, Tempo moderato (1:44)
- No. 3, Andante (3:10)
- No. 4, Allegro (3:25)
- Larghetto for Viola and Organ (undated) (4:32)
Suite for Three Cellos (undated) (11:04)
- I. Allegro giocoso (2:14)
- II. Molto lento (2:49)
- III. Tempo di Menuetto (3:34)
- IV. Choral. Poco adagio (2:27)
First Recordings
Fanfare Magazine :
‘The performers are members of the Hamburg Chamber Players, and they play the music with commitment and warmth. […]
The two pieces for viola and organ are lovely and are warmly played by Julia Mensching and Alexander Bürkle. The Suite for Three Cellos shows considerable humor in the contrasts of its first movement. […]
William Melton’s extensive notes are another asset of this release, as is the well-balanced recorded sound. If you are looking for musical experiences off the beaten path and enjoy Romantic chamber music, this disc is highly recommended. I look forward to future volume in the series.
—Henry Fogel, Fanfare Magazine, Sept/Oct 2024