Clementi - Symphonies 1-4 | Deutsche Harmonia Mundi (DHM) 88985305392

Clementi - Symphonies 1-4

Label: Deutsche Harmonia Mundi (DHM)

Cat No: 88985305392

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 2

Genre: Orchestral

Release Date: 20th January 2017

Contents

About

Muzio Clementi (1752-1832) was an Italian-born English composer, pianist, pedagogue, conductor, music publisher, editor, and piano manufacturer. His influence extended well into the 19th century, with composers using his sonatas as models for their own compositions. Ludwig van Beethoven, in particular, had the highest regard for Clementi.

Clementi's symphonies are less well known than his work in other genres. Though many of his manuscripts have been lost, autograph portions of his unpublished symphonies, which include everything from sketches to complete movements, are in the Library of Congress and the British Museum. From these autographs scholars have been able to reconstruct four symphonies. Clementi successfully performed his symphonies in London and other cities in Europe, predominantly from 1813-1828. Based on performance reports, scholars estimate that he composed approximately twenty symphonies in total during his life. This album features the four symphonies (C major, G major, and two in D major) over two discs conducted by the orchestra's esteemed principal conductor Ivor Bolton.

Over its long history, the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra, the symphony orchestra of the Town and the Province of Salzburg, has grown to become an international ambassador for Mozart's native town. In 2016, the Mozarteum Orchestra – which dates back to the Cathedral Music Society and Mozarteum, founded in 1841 with the support of Mozart's widow Constanze and their two sons – celebrates the 175th anniversary of its founding.

Distinguished principal conductors have contributed to shaping the orchestra – notably Leopold Hager, Ralf Weikert, Hans Graf and Hubert Soudant. Ivor Bolton, who held the post from 2004 until the end of the 2015-2016 season, has had a decisive formative influence; as honorary conductor, he will remain in close association with the orchestra. Internationally acclaimed guest conductors and soloists enjoy regular engagements with the renowned Salzburg ensemble, whose versatility is documented by a wide range of CD recordings.

Reviews

... this new recording scores consistently in polish, clarity of texture (crucial in Clementi’s frequent fugal escapades) and sheer character. Bolton brings out both the opera buffa sparkle and the dramatic surprises of the Allegros, gives a lively kick to the rhythms in the minuet-scherzos..., and combines affectionate phrasing with a sense of forward motion in the Andantes. The superlative Salzburg wind section relish all the opportunities that come their way. In sum, a new benchmark for these works, warmly recommended to anyone who fancies investigating the Beethoven-Schubert symphonic hinterland.  Richard Wigmore
Gramophone May 2017

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