Search - Hermann Goetz, Werner Andreas Albert, Hannover Radio Symphony Orchestra :: Hermann Goetz: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

Excel performances!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 08/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The brief existence of Herman Goetz on one hand (1840-1876) and the ominous presence on operatic stage of two giants such as Wagner and Verdi were two factors that really attempted against his transcendence as composer.



Gifted of a spring lyricism, his compositions denote a visible musical influence of Felix Mendelssohn (specially the First Piano concerto) , but then when the Second Piano Concerto appears we may realize its profound lyrical character, great cantabile themes, but above all a delirious outburst of inflamed musicality, developing if I may a visual aesthetics, blended with a premonitory nostalgia of a dying romanticism. You may a lively sense of eloquent refinement and radiant nuance, without boasting of pyrotechnic exhibitionism. The main theme is playful, announced since the first bars; at the same time provided of a lovely melodic majesty, the piano sings and repeats the noble motive, beautifully ornamented and best supported by strings and winds, until that inspired cadenza that fervently conjugates the core of the movement.



When we listen the second movement (the most inspired of the concerto) , we realize the impressive gamut of musical ideas emanated form this prestigious composer, with a lyricism that combines autumnal introspection hovered by a pristine elegance, that delineates a majestic preamble for the second half, when the horn sings the main theme and the piano becomes a supporting instrument and complements the musical phrase with glimmering luminosity that accents still more its enigmatic charm.



The Third movement begins with a brief lyrical exposition that works out as preamble for the lively and glamorous final, filled of radiant optimism and vibrant Pastoral breath, a Rondo that typifies the Classic Vienna of the dawn of Century. .



Volker Banfield has developed with this gifted director Werner Andreas Albert a special chemistry, and it may be realized. This album is must have for all those who really want to know about missing talents in the second half of the XIX Century.



There's an effervescent version recorded by Michael Ponti, whose depiction of the musical outlines is by far much more expressive and temperamental. This version is much more introspective, as if it would have been thought for a chamber work.



But we must thank this epic effort to record unknown pieces for the delight and enjoyment of a new generation of listeners.

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Magnificent performances of superb works

G.D. | Norway | 08/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hermann Goetz was among the rather few Central European composers of his generation to more or less completely eschew the influence of Wagner, relying instead on Schumann and Beethoven as models, with touches of Weber and Lortzing. Perhaps Bruch and Fuchs would be fair comparisons? He was in any case an eminently fine craftsman and often an inspired composer, and the works on this disc exhibits him at his best - in fact, these are superb works, which should be heard by anyone remotely interested in this kind of repertoire, especially anyone following Hyperion's Romantic Piano Concerto series.



Both works are quite original in execution, with imaginative twists to the thematic developments (and the themes in question are consistently strong and memorable one); sometimes they give the impression of being more like large-scale fantasias for piano and orchestra than regular concertos, but are none the worse for that, although the later B flat concerto is clearly the superior work. Stylistically, there are traces of Schumann, but the end results are not quite like anything else I've heard. The solo part is demanding, and it is fortunate that Volker Banfield is not only an accomplished technician but able to provide finely colored and strongly shaped performances. The Radio-Philharmonie Hannover des NDR provides superb accompaniments under the tireless direction Werner Andreas Albert, mining the scores for all color and effects they can provide. In short, this is a superb realization of two works that are definitely worth the efforts. The sound quality is warm and spacious, and this disc can be recommended with tremendous enthusiasm."