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Naxos

Schoenberg: Six A Cappella Mixed Choruses, Etc / Craft

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Details

Composer
SCHOENBERG
Artist
20Th Century, Welch-Babbidge, Simon Joly Singers
Format
CD
Label
Naxos
Released
Dec 13, 2005
Catalog #
8557521
UPC
747313252121

About


Arnold Schoenberg's a cappella folksong settings are among his least-appreciated--and most easily listenable--works, excellent examples of his pre-12-tone harmonic style, with masterfully crafted polyphonic textures. For one thing, they're rarely heard, and although not especially a breeze to sing, they're effectively and soundly written--Schein uns, du liebe Sonne being the standout among the six works. The Op. 10 string quartet performed here is its original 1908 version rather than the one for string orchestra that the composer produced in 1929. It's craggy and difficult--but also offers a multitude of lyrical and beautiful moments that the Fred Sherry String Quartet fully exploits. Soprano Jennifer Welch-Babidge adds poignancy, sensitivity, and knowing style to the solos in the final two movements, using her thoughtful inflection to capture the music's colorful, moody impressionistic elements.


The 1934 Suite in G for String Orchestra is another gem--solidly tonal yet occasionally stretching the boundaries of traditional harmony, rich in melodic ideas and exciting rhythmic touches. Its five movements demand the highest level of technique from the players, even though it originally was written for developing student musicians. Again, this outstanding piece is rarely played or recorded, but this first-rate performance by Robert Craft's Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble is all you will need. The same goes for the rest of the program--and Naxos' engineering, from London's Abbey Road studios (choral works) and New York's premiere chamber-music recording venue, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, matches the disc's fine musical values. Informative notes by Craft, along with texts and translations for the vocal works, crown this much-needed addition to the Schoenberg catalog. [1/5/2006]
--David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com

Tracklist 15 tracks

  1. 1 Mein Herz in steten Treuen (My Heart Forever True) 04:08
    Track
    1
    Title
    Mein Herz in steten Treuen (My Heart Forever True)
    Duration
    04:08
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Ensemble
    Simon Joly Singers
    Conductor
    Robert Craft
  2. 2 Der Mai tritt ein mit Freuden (May Arrives With Joy) 02:05
    Track
    2
    Title
    Der Mai tritt ein mit Freuden (May Arrives With Joy)
    Duration
    02:05
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Ensemble
    Simon Joly Singers
    Conductor
    Robert Craft
  3. 3 Herzlieblich Lieb, durch Scheiden (My Dearest Love, Through Our Parting) (arr. A. Schoenberg) 01:30
    Track
    3
    Title
    Herzlieblich Lieb, durch Scheiden (My Dearest Love, Through Our Parting) (arr. A. Schoenberg)
    Duration
    01:30
    Composer
    Traditional
    Ensemble
    Simon Joly Singers
    Conductor
    Robert Craft
  4. 4 3 Folksongs, Op. 49: Es gingen zwei Gespielen gut (Two Good Maiden Friends) (excerpt) 03:21
    Track
    4
    Title
    3 Folksongs, Op. 49: Es gingen zwei Gespielen gut (Two Good Maiden Friends) (excerpt)
    Duration
    03:21
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Ensemble
    Simon Joly Singers
    Conductor
    Robert Craft
  5. 5 Es gingen zwei Gespielen gut (Two Good Maiden Friends) (arr. A. Schoenberg) 03:21
    Track
    5
    Title
    Es gingen zwei Gespielen gut (Two Good Maiden Friends) (arr. A. Schoenberg)
    Duration
    03:21
    Composer
    Traditional
    Ensemble
    Simon Joly Singers
    Conductor
    Robert Craft
  6. 6 Schein uns, du liebe Sonne (Shine on Us, Dear Sun) (arr. A. Schoenberg) 03:50
    Track
    6
    Title
    Schein uns, du liebe Sonne (Shine on Us, Dear Sun) (arr. A. Schoenberg)
    Duration
    03:50
    Composer
    Traditional
    Ensemble
    Simon Joly Singers
    Conductor
    Robert Craft
  7. 7 I. Allegro 06:37
    Track
    7
    Title
    I. Allegro
    Duration
    06:37
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Ensemble
    Fred Sherry String Quartet
  8. 8 II. Scherzo 06:40
    Track
    8
    Title
    II. Scherzo
    Duration
    06:40
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Ensemble
    Fred Sherry String Quartet
  9. 9 III. Litanei 05:56
    Track
    9
    Title
    III. Litanei
    Duration
    05:56
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Performer
    Jennifer Welch-Babidge
    Ensemble
    Fred Sherry String Quartet
  10. 10 IV. Entrückung 10:46
    Track
    10
    Title
    IV. Entrückung
    Duration
    10:46
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Performer
    Jennifer Welch-Babidge
    Ensemble
    Fred Sherry String Quartet
  11. 11 I. Overture 06:09
    Track
    11
    Title
    I. Overture
    Duration
    06:09
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Ensemble
    Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble
    Conductor
    Robert Craft
  12. 12 II. Adagio 05:17
    Track
    12
    Title
    II. Adagio
    Duration
    05:17
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Ensemble
    Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble
    Conductor
    Robert Craft
  13. 13 III. Minuet 04:46
    Track
    13
    Title
    III. Minuet
    Duration
    04:46
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Ensemble
    Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble
    Conductor
    Robert Craft
  14. 14 IV. Gavotte 06:09
    Track
    14
    Title
    IV. Gavotte
    Duration
    06:09
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Ensemble
    Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble
    Conductor
    Robert Craft
  15. 15 V. Gigue 07:40
    Track
    15
    Title
    V. Gigue
    Duration
    07:40
    Composer
    Arnold Schoenberg
    Ensemble
    Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble
    Conductor
    Robert Craft