Reznicek, Emil Nikolaus von

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Reznicek, Emil Nikolaus von

Traumspiel-Suite (Dreamplay Suite) for orchestra

SKU: 3083 Category:

16,00 

Emil Nikolaus von Rezniçek – Dreamplay-Suite (1921)

(b. Vienna, 4 May 1860 – d. Berlin, 2 August 1945)

Six pieces after the play of the same name by A. Strindberg

The Merry Bay and the Gulf of Shame p.3
Autumn and Spring p.9
In Fingal’s Cave p.12
Waltz of the wind and waves p.15
The Lawyer p.24
The Daughter’s Farewell p.29

Orchestration
Flute, Oboe/Cor anglais, Clarinet, Bass clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, 2 Kettledrums,
Celeste/Piano, Harp, Cuckoo Whistle, Triangle, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double bass

Duration
25 minutes

Introduction (by Renate Hellwig-Unruh, 2017, translated by Rose Simpson)
Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek is established in the history of music primarily as the composer of the Donna Diana Overture. In the 1970s and 80s the melodic line from the piece was played as the theme tune for several broadcast series. Conductors such as Herbert von Karajan and Claudio Abbado presented the witty, sparkling overture in their New Year’s concerts and today it is still performed with pleasure. All other works of the Viennese composer are, however, largely forgotten. Nevertheless, Reznicek, a contemporary and a friend of Richard Strauss, was a very productive, competent, shrewd and sophisticated composer whose music could encompass all styles with verve and elegance. As a connoisseur of theatre, he created innumerable pieces for the stage, including seventeen operas, many symphonic works, overtures and suites, and also four works of incidental music to accompany theatrical performances.

Born in Vienna on 4 May 1860, Reznicek came, on his father’s side, from a well-to-do family of musicians of Czech extraction. Although originally intended for a legal or diplomatic career, his own wishes prevailed and he succesfully completed his study of music at the Leipzig Conservatoire under Carl Reinecke and Salamon Jadassohn. Afterwards, as Musical Director in the theatres of Graz, Zürich, Jena, Stettin, Bochum, Mainz and Berlin he gained familiarity with the nature and conditions of stage-performance
Then followed several years in Prague where, in 1894, the premiere of his opera Donna Diana brought him his first notable triumph as a composer. With the 1920 performance of his opera Ritter Blaubart Reznicek enjoyed further great success. In the same year he was appointed Honorary Professor of Orchestration in Berlin and elected to membership and, later, to the ruling body of the Prussian Academy of the Arts.

Born Viennese and a Berliner by choice, Reznicek was a colourful personality, a hedonist who effortlessly composed works which, for many, are too facile. Despite his partially left-liberal stance, his use of jazz-music, which was strictly forbidden by National Socialist authorities and the fact that his wife was of Jewish extraction, his career continued throughout the 1930s. He held diverse appointments, took part in the organisation of international music festivals and concerts and received official recognition from the National Socialist State. In 1935, he was awarded the Goethe Medal and the Brahms Medal and, in 1936, Hitler nominated him for a Professorship. On the occasion of his 80th birthday in 1940 both Hitler and Goebbels congratulated him, despite the fact that he had exploitated the many opportunities offered to him by his position to aid both ostracised composers and Modern Music.
Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek died in the Prussian capital aged 85, in Summer 1945, shortly after the end of the War….

 

Read full preface> HERE

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