FRANZ SCHREKER

Chamber Symphony; Hussar Variations

CD1

1. Kammersinfonie - Langsam, schwebend - Camerata Academica Salzburg

2. Kammersinfonie - Adagio -Camerata Academica Salzburg

3. Kammersinfonie - Scherzo - Camerata Academica Salzburg

4. Kammersinfonie - Ziemlich bewegt - Camerata Academica Salzburg

5. Kammersinfonie - Langsam, schwebend - Camerata Academica Salzburg

6. Kammersinfonie - Intermezzo op.8 - James Conlon

7. Kammersinfonie - Vorspiel zu einem Drama (Die Gezeichneten) - James Conlon

8. Romantische Suite - I. Andante - James Conlon

9. Romantische Suite - II. Scherzo - James Conlon

10. Romantische Suite - III. Allegro Vivace - James Conlon

11. Romantische Suite - Die Dunkelheit sinkt schwer wie Blei (Ronsperger) (1975 Digital Remaster) - Aribert Reimann

CD2

1. Vorspiel zu einer großen Oper (Memnon) - James Conlon

2. Der Ferne Klang - In einem Lande ein bleicher König (Act 2) - Münchner Rundfunkorchester

3. Variationen über ein Husarenlied - Introduction (Adagio) - New Philharmonia Orchestra

4. Variationen über ein Husarenlied - Theme (Vivace alla vivace) - Hans Bauer

5. Variationen über ein Husarenlied - Variations I – XVIII - Hans Bauer

6. 2 Studies from 'Doktor Faust' Op. 51 (1968 Digital Remaster) – Sarabande - Daniell Revenaugh

7. 2 Studies from 'Doktor Faust' Op. 51 (1968 Digital Remaster) – Cortège - Daniell Revenaugh

The multi-coloured orchestral world of Franz Schreker, with its flavour of French impressionism, is especially rich in the tone-poems based on two of his operas. There are similarities as well as contrasts with the more Hungarian sound of Schmidt’s exhilarating Variations, and the elegant, passionate austerity of Busoni’s Studies.

Franz Schreker was one of a closely-knit group of young composers working in Vienna at the turn of the 20th century, most notable amongst whom was Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, Anton Webern, Alexander von Zemlinsky and Franz Schmidt. The music of these five composers, particularly the first three, is far better-known than that of Schreker. Both Zemlinsky's and, to a lesser extent, Schmidt's music has gone through a revival on CD, but Schreker's name and music remain little-known. This is a pity because it is as fresh and appealing as any of his compatriots', some of whom fell under his influence. This 2-CD set begins with what is Schreker's best-known work, the Chamber Symphony, written in 1916, when he was reaching the height of his career. Success continued during the 1920s until the Nazis came to power, when many of his performances were cancelled and he lost his teaching posts. He died, after suffering a stroke, in March 1934. Anyone with a taste for late-Romantic music, be it by Mahler or the young Schoenberg can be assured that this is a set from which they will derive much pleasure.

EMI Classics 2cds 6279732