Search - Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf, Hermann Max, Das Kleine Konzert :: Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf: Giob

Well done

Walter Fekula | New York, NY USA | 09/23/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf (1739 - 1799) was a contemporary of Mozart and while no Mozart, his compositions are deserving of more attention. I especially enjoy a recording of his "Harp Concerto in A", a transcription of an unfinished keyboard concerto (London, "Harp Concertos",Maria Robles, ASMF, Iona Brown). It is said that on occasion Dittersdorf, a very accomplished violinist, played chamber music with Haydn and Mozart. Must have been amazing. No recordings, unfortunately.
In 1773, the additional surname, "von Dittersdorf" was added when Empress Maria Theresia granted him a certificate of Nobility.
This recording of "Giob", composed in 1776, is very well presented by the Rhenische Kantorei/Das Kliene Konzert and very ably conducted by Hermann Max. The soloists hold their own especially the soprano, Romelia Lichtenstein who is blessed with a beautiful voice. One looks forward to hearing more of her in the future. The music flows easily with some melodic arias. The story of Job is well told by the Librettist, S. I. Pintus and captures his "test of faith". The program notes and translation of the Italian libretto are excellent and the recording (2 CDS - 152 minutes) was made over a six day period at the Paterskirche in Franziskanerkloster. Obviously, a labor of love. Let's hope they try Dittersdorf's favorite oratorio, "Esther" next."

Dittersdorf is astounding in Giob

Lenny | 01/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While the classical era is dominated by the heavyweights Mozart and Haydn, the duo weren't the only worthy composers during this era. While I'm bearish on Salieri (I believe one publication referred to his music is worthless and forgettable and I rather agree), Von Dittersdorf's music is astonishing fine indeed. His Giob is quite on a par with Mozart and Haydn, as another posted has said, and hearing this oratorio really helps to restore one's faith in humanity, for if one human could write such beautiful music, then there must be some redeeming quality to man in general. You won't be sorry for buying this CD. If you're interested in other fine composers in the classical era, might I direct you to JC Bach, whose post-baroque, early classical music is most enjoyable and agreeable indeed. I have some CD's of his keyboard concerti and "agreeable" is perhaps the best way to describe it, for it is extremely musical and polite."

Romelia Lichtenstein's singing alone is worth the price of t

Bruce Bogin | rural France | 08/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am an afficcionado of vocal Baroque music and also of the Renaissance music which preceded it and the post-Baroque and Classical which succeeded it. Somewhere on the internet I ran across the name of Dittersdorf. I was led to this work--Giob--particularly because it was directed by Hermann Max and featured the Rheinische Kantorei whom I have on several other works. He is an exciting conductor and his choral group is superb. But when I received this work and played it the first time, I looked up and asked myself Who is that soprano who is singing? It turned out to be Romelia Lichtenstein whom I not previously heard of. I am particularly fond of the soprano voice and I am very familiar with most of the great ones who sing Baroque. But I want to tell you, this Romelia Lichtenstein is as good as they come. I play the tracks on which her arias as Zara appear over and over again. She is TERRIFIC! She is GREAT! Simply put, her singing is worth the price of the entire work. I have searched in vain for more works in which she appears, but can find none. This work by Dittersdorff may not achieve the level of Mozart's or Haydn's best, but it is nevertheless excellent and is performed exceedingly well. But even so, give yourself a treat and buy it and listen to Romelia sing."