The Chamber Symphony was the 1st Schreker work I heard, decades ago on an old Nonesuch LP with other more obscure works by Busoni & Hindemith. The work varies stylistically, between impressionistic influences like Ravel + late Romantism. Until recently, not much was available except a Rickenbacher/Schwann recording of his orch. works. Love the soundscapes in this piece & further works I discovered. Lately been addicted to his Memnon overture - opening with percussion & woodwinds invoking an imaginary, exotic opening scene.
This is a great piece that I discovered because it got programmed by my hometown orchestra and when I saw the announcement listing, I remember thinking, "Who is Schreker? I've never heard of him." So my next trip to Tower Records (a once-a-week event most weeks), I sought him out and found the Chamber Symphony on a disc with a handful of other works and decided to be adventurous and bought it. I was so not disappointed! In fact, I felt like I'd made a real discovery that day. Wonderful work, wonderful composer.
Your description of Schreker's voluptuousness and decadence applies to Bax at his best as well - in my mind, anyway. I utterly adore them both! And yeah - like you, I'd save the Chamber Symphony. It's glorious!
I got to know Schreker through his 'Romantische Suite', the 2nd movement. I love that. Know and heard his Chamber Symphony. Shall give it another try. Thanks!
I never heard of Schreker before. I gave it a listen. You described it perfectly, David. “Voluptuous” is the perfect word for it. But the very colorful orchestration makes it interesting to listen to as well.
Well, when I saw today was Schreker, my first thought was “either the Chamber Symphony or one of the operas”, so I guess I’m on the same page. The Chamber Symphony really is worth getting to know.
Dave, have you listened to the new Schreker album by Christoph Eschenbach on DG? It includes the Chamber Symphony and other orchestral works. I hope you can make a review soon.
The chamber symphony is a great choice, perhaps the epitome of the fin-de-siecle hedonistic orchestral works if not for Marx’s own beautiful greaseball of a symphony. Out of the operas, I’d personally go with Das Spielwerk und die Prinzessin, which balances the sultry vocal textures and sultry orchestration we expect from Schreker, the master of sult!
Holding out on Martinu still. Is a tough choice for me as he wrote so much stuff, and everything he wrote immediately sounds like Martinu, so what best to represent him to the evil god? I am picking the Double Concerto for Two String Orchestras, Piano and Timpani, as it screams Martinu’s style on steroids. Composed during the war and after he fled France for America. It feels like war in the driving opening and menacing pounding and tension in the strings. Could of picked any of the symphonies too. Will be waiting for your choice Dave. So many good ones to choose from.
An especially hard choice for Dave, as I suspect he's heard more of Martinu's voluminous output than anyone on the planet. He might go for the Double Concerto.. a great piece but which doesn't really reflect the composer's essentially sunny disposition. Slightly off the beaten path, I'd go for the little-known Bouquet of Flowers, which samples his vocal writing and growing interest in folk idioms. A joyous listen.
@@timothybridgewater5795 yes agree my choice is not sunny. Another choice I could make is Suites from Spalicek, a Neeme Jarvi recording I have that reflects a larger palette of Martinu’s styles. So many choices.
The trouble is that none of our combined suggestions really reflect the earlier neo-classical phase of his output. A work like the Sinfonietta La Jolla may be slender, but it bears the unmistakable Martinutian stamp and doesn't come much sunnier than that!
By the way, there is an attractive new 2CD release on DG with orchestral works (including the chamber symphony!) & orchestral songs by Franz Schreker (Christoph Eschenbach & Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Chen Reiss & Matthias Goerne).
I am hoping for a Peter Maxwell Davies episode. My choice would be his third symphony. He creates such a superb atmosphere and I love the way he uses timpani, especially in the masterful closing movement which lasts 22 minutes in his own recording with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
For me it has to be "Der ferne Klang". It seems to be very much about Schreker's own search for the musical expression. Got it on CD for my Graduation, was Stage Manager in our local Opera Production of it. The Tenor was not the best, but it is a difficult part. I'm going to do "Der singende Teufel" in May. I heard it is not his best, kind of a failed last effort. Still looking forward to it.
But what about… oh, I was confusing Schreker with Schmidt (who wrote a couple of operas I have never heard and four glorious symphonies). I’m going to give this chamber symphony a whirl.
The Chamber Symphony was the 1st Schreker work I heard, decades ago on an old Nonesuch LP with other more obscure works by Busoni & Hindemith. The work varies stylistically, between impressionistic influences like Ravel + late Romantism. Until recently, not much was available except a Rickenbacher/Schwann recording of his orch. works. Love the soundscapes in this piece & further works I discovered. Lately been addicted to his Memnon overture - opening with percussion & woodwinds invoking an imaginary, exotic opening scene.
This is a great piece that I discovered because it got programmed by my hometown orchestra and when I saw the announcement listing, I remember thinking, "Who is Schreker? I've never heard of him." So my next trip to Tower Records (a once-a-week event most weeks), I sought him out and found the Chamber Symphony on a disc with a handful of other works and decided to be adventurous and bought it. I was so not disappointed! In fact, I felt like I'd made a real discovery that day. Wonderful work, wonderful composer.
Today is his birthday.
I'm loving the Chamber Symphony. Thanks for introducing me to this composer, Dave--and on his 145th birthday.
You're welcome. Come coincidence! I had no idea.
Your description of Schreker's voluptuousness and decadence applies to Bax at his best as well - in my mind, anyway. I utterly adore them both! And yeah - like you, I'd save the Chamber Symphony. It's glorious!
I got to know Schreker through his 'Romantische Suite', the 2nd movement. I love that. Know and heard his Chamber Symphony. Shall give it another try. Thanks!
I love this, and completely agree! The Chamber Symphony IS a masterpiece.
Great video, as always, Sir. I am looking forward to your choices for Reich, Glass, Riley, and Stockhausen.
I pick the first Violin Concerto for Glass, as it contains all of his stylistic idiosyncrasies in three movements.
Only heard of him for opera before today. Gave a listen to your choice, which is thoroughly delightful. Thanks.
Thanks for listening!
Really enjoyed the work. Glad to learn of this composer.
I never heard of Schreker before. I gave it a listen. You described it perfectly, David. “Voluptuous” is the perfect word for it. But the very colorful orchestration makes it interesting to listen to as well.
Well, when I saw today was Schreker, my first thought was “either the Chamber Symphony or one of the operas”, so I guess I’m on the same page. The Chamber Symphony really is worth getting to know.
Dave, have you listened to the new Schreker album by Christoph Eschenbach on DG? It includes the Chamber Symphony and other orchestral works. I hope you can make a review soon.
Not coming here until May, but I will certainly discuss it.
Not only do I agree, and love once more your great video, but you're also hilarious on top of everything. Immensely enjoyable work, a thousand thanks!
The chamber symphony is a great choice, perhaps the epitome of the fin-de-siecle hedonistic orchestral works if not for Marx’s own beautiful greaseball of a symphony. Out of the operas, I’d personally go with Das Spielwerk und die Prinzessin, which balances the sultry vocal textures and sultry orchestration we expect from Schreker, the master of sult!
Holding out on Martinu still. Is a tough choice for me as he wrote so much stuff, and everything he wrote immediately sounds like Martinu, so what best to represent him to the evil god?
I am picking the Double Concerto for Two String Orchestras, Piano and Timpani, as it screams Martinu’s style on steroids.
Composed during the war and after he fled France for America. It feels like war in the driving opening and menacing pounding and tension in the strings.
Could of picked any of the symphonies too.
Will be waiting for your choice Dave. So many good ones to choose from.
An especially hard choice for Dave, as I suspect he's heard more of Martinu's voluminous output than anyone on the planet. He might go for the Double Concerto.. a great piece but which doesn't really reflect the composer's essentially sunny disposition. Slightly off the beaten path, I'd go for the little-known Bouquet of Flowers, which samples his vocal writing and growing interest in folk idioms. A joyous listen.
@@timothybridgewater5795 yes agree my choice is not sunny. Another choice I could make is Suites from Spalicek, a Neeme Jarvi recording I have that reflects a larger palette of Martinu’s styles. So many choices.
The trouble is that none of our combined suggestions really reflect the earlier neo-classical phase of his output. A work like the Sinfonietta La Jolla may be slender, but it bears the unmistakable Martinutian stamp and doesn't come much sunnier than that!
By the way, there is an attractive new 2CD release on DG with orchestral works (including the chamber symphony!) & orchestral songs by Franz Schreker (Christoph Eschenbach & Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Chen Reiss & Matthias Goerne).
Yes, it has been mentioned.
I am hoping for a Peter Maxwell Davies episode. My choice would be his third symphony. He creates such a superb atmosphere and I love the way he uses timpani, especially in the masterful closing movement which lasts 22 minutes in his own recording with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
Yes, yes, yes!
For me it has to be "Der ferne Klang". It seems to be very much about Schreker's own search for the musical expression. Got it on CD for my Graduation, was Stage Manager in our local Opera Production of it. The Tenor was not the best, but it is a difficult part.
I'm going to do "Der singende Teufel" in May. I heard it is not his best, kind of a failed last effort. Still looking forward to it.
But what about… oh, I was confusing Schreker with Schmidt (who wrote a couple of operas I have never heard and four glorious symphonies). I’m going to give this chamber symphony a whirl.
I wonder what Karajan, Kempe or even Stokowski would have done with his music, if it weren't so out of fashion in that time.
Can't be systematized...yet! Give them some more years....XD