To have been a composer in late 19th century Germany must have been a mixed blessing. The pantheon of greats featured the refined Brahms, the...

To have been a composer in late 19th century Germany must have been a mixed blessing. The pantheon of greats featured the refined Brahms, the revolutionary Wagner, and the romantic Reinecke. This left little room, therefore, for composers of less renown, especially those whom the musical and political establishment would have chosen to keep out of the limelight. Salomon Jadassohn found little support for his work as a composer. Although Jadassohn was a distinguished teacher and wrote several important books on composition and music theory, he considered himself primarily a composer. He was acknowledged to be a master of counterpoint and harmony, but he was also a gifted melodist in the tradition of Mendelssohn. His works show too the influence of Wagner and Liszt, whose music deeply impressed him. This double release includes Jadassohn’s Symphony No. 1, a light and attractive work, four Serenades, which are equally as charming, and a Piano Concerto.