Schumann Konzertstück for 4 horns and orchestra – Bayerisches Staatsorchester, Nagano

Recommendation

The big story about this new Farao Classics Super Audio CD is the astonishing level of technical and musical playing achieved by the Bayerisches Staatsorchester French horn section performing Robert Schumann notoriously difficult Konzertstück for Four Horns and Orchestra. Kent Nagano leads the orchestra in two other works, Wagner’s Siegfried-Idyll and the Metamorphosen for 23 Solo Strings by Richard Strauss, which sound splendid. But we have those works in other sublime performances already. This recording of the Konzertstück is the best that I have ever heard.

At the time that Schumann wrote his Konzertstück, the recently developed valve horn was offering undreamt of possibilities over the natural horn – possibilities which Schumann utilized without restraint, demanding chromatic melodic lines from all four of his solo players across the entire range of their instruments. The Konzerttstuck had been considered unplayable since its premiere in 1850 until a performance in Munich’s Odeon concert hall in 1887 that caused a sensation among critics. Still today, orchestras rarely program the work because it is so outrageously challenging. To hear it played at the level of perfection that it is here is an experience not to be missed by brass aficionados, and one which will be revelatory for the casual brass music listener.

Following two opening strokes by the full orchestra, the dauntless Munich hornists respond with a striking fanfare. It is a flourish that is arresting not because it is powerful, but that is powerful because it is perfect – balance, intonation, tonal beauty – in all ways. And so goes the performance; we are off to the races and can only sit back and be amazed.

Album Overview

When conducting the Bavarian State Orchestra, a matter which is of key importance to Kent Nagano is the orchestra’s special character, which has evolved from out of its almost 500 years of tradition, it being one of the oldest orchestras world wide. For Nagano, herein lies the analogy which is necessary for his commitment for all that is new in music.

The distinguishing feature of this orchestra is its unmistakable warm and dark string sound, having been fostered by the great operas of Mozart and Wagner, and enriched not only through the works of Richard Strauss but actually working with the composer himself. What culminates from out of this, through the tonal contributions of the horns and brass, is a basic tone quality which is wonderfully rounded, never stressing brilliance merely for the sake of brilliance. As an opera orchestra the Bavarian State Orchestra is immensely flexible and sensitive to the nuances and emotions of a score, a trait which in the 200 years of their activities as a concert orchestra, has formed them into such an exceptional ensemble.

Furthermore it is the versatile and pioneering horn group which forms the backbone and power house of the orchestra, and not only in the music of Wagner. Richard Strauss’ father, who in his day was principal hornist in Munich is for the musicians a much revered historical symbol. The task of performing Schumann’s "Konzertstück" is one to which the horn group rises with more than bravura.

Richard Wagner’s "Siegfried Idyll" represents an important element in the orchestra’s tradition. Performances of this work in which it is taken back to its origins to such an extent, are rarely heard, and its deep inner calm is rarely felt as much as in the new recording with Kent Nagano and the Bavarian State Orchestra.

Strauss’ late work "Metamorphosen" for 23 solo strings betokens the end of a musical era. This is a piece which symbolizes contemplation of the past and closure, and at the same time the beginning of a new age.

Thus the program on this SACD sketches, in its own quiet way, a portrait of the Bavarian State Orchestra and its general music director.

Source: Farao Classics

Kent Nagano	Conductor: Kent Nagano Kent Nagano is renowned for interpretations of clarity, elegance and intelligence. He is equally at home in music of the classical, romantic and contemporary eras, introducing concert and opera audiences throughout the world to… read more
Bayerisches Staatsorchester	Performers: Bayerisches Staatsorchester read more
	Composers: Richard Wagner Robert Schumann Richard Strauss

 

 

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