As an influential figure in Viennese circles that included Mozart and Haydn, Paul Wranitzky was often called upon to take on commissions from the Imperial Court and the Empress Marie Therese in particular. Das listige Bauernmädchen, a ballet from her collection, reflects its rustic setting and story of romantic intrigues with folk-dance energy and delightful pantomime. The dramatic ballet divertissement Vorstellungen was part of Emperor Franz II’s birthday celebrations in 1803, as was an extensive Quodlibet from which we have selected the colourful Final Contradance.

This follows the fourth volume of Paul Wranitzky’s orchestral works which can be heard on 8574290: ‘The Pardubice orchestra does a splendid job of this music. It is colourful, with good tempos, precise intonation, and an excellent balance of instruments. Conductor Štilec has an inherent knack for the style, and his delineation of the various movements allows for Wrantizky’s fine sense of scoring to emerge’ (Fanfare).

Conductor Marek Štilec is a specialist in 18th-century music and Czech composers in particular. His five volumes of orchestral works by Zdeněk Fibich have been widely acclaimed, with one Fanfare reviewer suggesting that, ‘for those looking to expand their collections of late 19th-century, very Romantic, very dramatic, and very beautiful symphonic and orchestral works, here is the way to do it. Very strongly recommended.’

Also recorded with the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice, his three volumes of symphonies by Leopold Koželuch have been warmly welcomed for their ‘excellent, enthusiastic, and sympathetic’ performances in the American Record Guide.