Richard Stöhr: Orchestral Music, Volume Three
Like so many important Austrian musicians forced into American exile by the Nazis, Richard Stöhr (1874–1967) suddenly found himself cast from celebrity into obscurity, The optimism and energy, even defiance, of these three works from 1942 suggest that he took it in his stride, with his musical language retaining its Viennese accent in an individual amalgam of Bruckner, Mahler, Schmidt and Korngold. Indeed, the echoes of Mahler in Stöhr’s Second Symphony may be a deliberate homage if, as seems possible, this score is a revision of a now-lost work first composed shortly after Mahler’s death.
Sinfonia Varsovia
Ian Hobson, conductor
Listen To This Recording:
- Per Aspera as Astra: Festival Overture for Concert Band, Op. 79a (1942) (6:54)
- Two Roads to Victory (Through Arms – through Love): Musical Poem, Op. 79b (1942)
Symphony No. 2 in D minor, Op. 81 (1942) (38:13)
- I. Allegro energico (14:03)
- II. Andante (6:51)
- III. Vivace (7:40)
- IV. Allegro con fuoco (9:39)
First Recordings
Fanfare Magazine :
‘The [second] symphony displays imagination and creative energy, and is very much worth knowing.
Conductor Ian Hobson has been involved in all three volumes of Toccata’s orchestral Stöhr series, and he clearly believes in the music. These are much more than dutiful run-throughs. Well-balanced recorded sound and particularly good program notes complete the release. I look forward to more from Toccata in this series.’
—Henry Fogel, Fanfare Magazine, April 2025
Fanfare Magazine :
‘I can’t imagine Mahler fans not enjoying [Symphony no.2]. […]
There is much to savor in Stöhr’s Second Symphony, including a rousing, virtuosic finale that ties it all together and brings the work to a satisfying conclusion. […]
The always reliable Sinfonia Varsovia, originally founded in 1984 by Yehudi Menuhin, and the always dependable Ian Hobson, make fine work of Stöhr’s music. […]the symphony, especially, is an important addition to the repertoire of very late Romantic/post-Romantic symphonies, a significant contribution to Stöhr’s discography, and an invaluable aid in helping us understand this still largely unknown composer. ‘
—Jerry Dubins, Fanfare Magazine, April 2025
Fanfare Magazine :
‘[my respect for the conductor and the piani in the recording] is only augmented by the performances heard herein. […]
There is some really lovely writing [in Per aspera ad astra], and some of the tunes could well become earwigs for the listener. […]
I absolutely loved [this disc] from beginning to end, both in music and performance[…]. Richard Stöhr is as important composer as any who has been rescued from obscurity by Toccata. Anyone enamored of the Romantic symphonic tradition will want to acquire [this album]. […] This set will be a strong contender for my next Want List.’
—David DeBoor Canfield, Fanfare Magazine, April 2025