Moritz MOSZKOWSKI: Orchestral Music, Volume Two
The Polish composer Moritz Moszkowski (1854–1925) is best remembered for a handful of virtuoso piano pieces, but he also produced a substantial body of orchestral music, most of it unperformed for a century or more. The first volume in this first-ever survey of his orchestral output presented the monumental ‘Symphonic Poem in Four Movements’ Johanna d’Arc – a vast symphonic fresco depicting the life, death and transfiguration of the heroine of Schiller’s 1801 play Die Jungfrau von Orleans – and drew a warm welcome from the musical press. These two big-hearted Suites continue that process of discovery, opening a treasure chest of gorgeous melody and sumptuous orchestral writing that make these forgotten gems irresistibly attractive.
Sinfonia Varsovia
Ian Hobson, conductor
First recordings
Listen To This Recording:
-
Deuxième Suite d’Orchestre, Op. 47 (1890)*
- I Preludio: Lento –
- II Fuga: Un pocchino più animato
- III Scherzo: Molto vivace
- IV Larghetto
- V Intermezzo: Allegretto con moto
- VI Marcia: Allegro con brio
- I Allegro
- II Molto moderato (La note obstinée)
- III Tempo di valse, non troppo allegro
- IV Allegro deciso
Troisième Suite d’Orchestre, Op.79 (1908)**
* FIRST RECORDING
** FIRST DIGITAL RECORDING
MusicWeb International :
Sinfonia Varsovia led by Ian Hobson, a tremendously versatile pianist and composer, capture the music with élan. The recording is clear and vibrant. As far as I can tell, the performances are ideal. They allow the music its best chance of finding an appreciative audience.’
—Gary Higginson, MusicWeb International
New York Concert Review :
‘The Sinfonia Varsovia plays beautifully under Mr. Hobson’s direction. […]
I can imagine, in a post-pandemic world, orchestral subscription audiences pleasantly settling in to hear either or both of these suites. Moszkowski has indeed found a persuasive advocate in Mr. Hobson.’
—Frank Daykin, New York Concert Review
Gramophone :
‘Ian Hobson, […] leading the Sinfonia Varsovia in performances of winning verve and character.
[…] all six [movements of the Deuxième Suite, Op 47] are blessed with Moszkowski’s unstoppable flow of melody. […]
I cannot understand why [Troisième Suite which is] tuneful, expertly crafted, undemanding score is hardly known. […] it dances along so merrily that, while some might affect a sniffy resistance, it defies you not to be its friend.’
—Jeremy Nicholas, Gramophone
The Whole Note :
‘‘…it’s hard to believe that his Deuxième Suite d’Orchestre, Op.47 (1890) is only now receiving its first-ever recording – it’s far too good to have been ignored for so long! […]
The robust playing of Sinfonia Varsovia under conductor Ian Hobson adds to this CD’s many pleasures. Here’s winning proof that there’s lots of “good-old-fashioned” music still waiting to be rediscovered and enjoyed!’
— Michael Schulman, The Whole Note