Felix Weingartner

[Sean]

There's a whole bunch of his symphonies and other works on YT- anyone know his stuff, is it worth my time, and any recommendations? If it's anything much like the Furtwangler symphonies the answer will I guess be in the negative.

[amw]

Symphonies I've heard are definitely better than Furtwängler's—more concise and with a reasonably original voice, somewhat more of a 'classicist'; a possible point of comparison being the early symphonies of Egon Wellesz. Don't expect another Mahler or Bruckner, but do expect some enjoyable, if a bit forgettable, music.

[Sean]

Alright, you've persuaded me. Will let you know what I think later. I'm going for the Fourth symphony, a merciful 31 minutes only, which I'll hear repeatedly as usual.

[Sean]

The Fourth could pass as a sketch for a Brahms serenade but there are the occasional forward looking touches.

[W.A. Mozart]

How do you rate this piece?

Laurent Albert Breuninger, violin
SWR Rundfunkorkester, Kaiserslauten
Alun Francis, conductor

[Symphonic Addict]

A recent discovery of mine. I loved it instantly. The performance is so hot and fully committed.

[Florestan]

May I suggest that, instead of starting a new thread for every piece, you just lump them all together under one and the same thread, say, "How do you rate this piece?" --- and instead of offering predefined commentaries, you just let everyone offering theirs?

[W.A. Mozart]

May I suggest that, instead of starting a new thread for every piece, you just lump them all together under one and the same thread, say, "How do you rate this piece?" --- and instead of offering predefined commentaries, you just let everyone offering theirs?

In an other forum a similar thread about the symphony no. 3 of Gorecki has produced 10 pages and it's still going on.

The reason for which you don't see why to create a discussion about single pieces it's probably that you are not aware of the huge discussions that can arise around a single piece.

[DaveF]

Another idea might be to start the discussion of a particular piece in the general thread for its composer, all of which can be found here: https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,26912.0.html

Even Weingartner has his own thread, which has been inactive for over 8 years, so in need of a "bump"!

[Franco_Manitobain]

Another idea might be to start the discussion of a particular piece in the general thread for its composer, all of which can be found here: https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,26912.0.html

Even Weingartner has his own thread, which has been inactive for over 8 years, so in need of a "bump"!

Yes, I never understood why the composers' individual "official" threads aren't more utilized, though they are much better utilized here at GMG than at another place.  However, I still feel they are heavily under utilized.

That's why when I am listening to something, I tend to post it in the respective composer's "official" thread in hopes of spurring further discussion on the composer, rather than simply posting in the "needle in the haystack" that are the "What are you listening to now" thread.  To each their own though, I'm clearly in the minority in viewing things this way, and I'm fully aware of it. 

[DavidW]

If you want WAM I can merge your thread with the existing Weingartner thread.  Just let me know.

[foxandpeng]

In an other forum a similar thread about the symphony no. 3 of Gorecki has produced 10 pages and it's still going on.

The reason for which you don't see why to create a discussion about single pieces it's probably that you are not aware of the huge discussions that can arise around a single piece.

For me, that is the very reason why this sort of post sits better in the individual Composer threads. Far easier finding later, and all under the one composer umbrella.

[W.A. Mozart]

If you want WAM I can merge your thread with the existing Weingartner thread.  Just let me know.

Ok.

[DavidW]

Ok.

Done!

[Toni Bernet]

Felix Weingartner's Violin Concerto was composed in 1911 for Fritz Kreisler (1875 - 1962), who was still at the beginning of his career. Kreisler premiered it in Vienna on 28 October 1912 to great acclaim.

On 1 November, an enthusiastic and highly competent concert review appeared in the "Neue freie Presse" under the abbreviation "J.K.", from which I would like to quote excerpts such as the following: "Weingartner's concerto is above all a small, lively celebration of the violin, in which the orchestra, resplendent in modern colours, also joins in. The texture is the safest, the pleasing content entered by mood and spirit" (J.K.). J.K., by the way, is none other than Julius Korngold, the father of Erich Wolfgang Korngold, whose violin concerto managed to become famous without his father.
For the original review by Julius Korngold, see:
https://unbekannte-violinkonzerte.jimdofree.com/e-3/weingartner/

[Symphonic Addict]

A while ago I was revisiting his String Quartet No. 1 in D minor, confirming how completely engaging, exquisite and memorable it is. Clearly, this is music with purpose, despite it looks back stylistically speaking. In the movements 2-4 is where his craftsmanship blossoms with real finesse. A ravishing passage that shouldn't go unnoticed is the Trio section of the 3rd movement. What a singular moment it is, even sounding mildly exotic. This is a great piece IMO and the way it is played reinforces its brilliance.

[Roasted Swan]

A while ago I was revisiting his String Quartet No. 1 in D minor, confirming how completely engaging, exquisite and memorable it is. Clearly, this is music with purpose, despite it looks back stylistically speaking. In the movements 2-4 is where his craftsmanship blossoms with real finesse. A ravishing passage that shouldn't go unnoticed is the Trio section of the 3rd movement. What a singular moment it is, even sounding mildly exotic. This is a great piece IMO and the way it is played reinforces its brilliance.

never heard anything by Weingartner but your enthusiasm makes me want to hear this - thankyou!

[Spotted Horses]

A while ago I was revisiting his String Quartet No. 1 in D minor, confirming how completely engaging, exquisite and memorable it is. Clearly, this is music with purpose, despite it looks back stylistically speaking. In the movements 2-4 is where his craftsmanship blossoms with real finesse. A ravishing passage that shouldn't go unnoticed is the Trio section of the 3rd movement. What a singular moment it is, even sounding mildly exotic. This is a great piece IMO and the way it is played reinforces its brilliance.

I was motivated to find this recording and listen to it. I agree it is an impressive piece. The general style is somewhat backward looking - it reminds me of Schubert - but reflects awareness of more modern music. I will have to put Weingartner on my list of composers to explore.

[Symphonic Addict]

never heard anything by Weingartner but your enthusiasm makes me want to hear this - thankyou!

I was motivated to find this recording and listen to it. I agree it is an impressive piece. The general style is somewhat backward looking - it reminds me of Schubert - but reflects awareness of more modern music. I will have to put Weingartner on my list of composers to explore.

A caveat on Weingartner: he wasn't like good wines that get better as they age. In my own perception, his first attempts among the symphonies and string quartets (i.e., Symphonies 1-4 and SQs 1-3) have more inspired writing, whereas the next ones less so. Anyway, he's a composer worth investigating.