Franz Xaver Scharwenka

[Symphonic Addict]

No thread for this interesting composer whose four piano concertos represent the core of his romantic style (two sets of them on Hyperion and Chandos).

This new CPO release was the excuse to create this thread (already available for streaming):



Much as I support CPO for making possible unknown repertoire on record, I'm not sure about "the need" for what seems to be another cycle of his piano concertos (the Symphony has been recorded already too). I don't know what is occurring to them. When are they going to complete the symphony cycles by Badings, Röntgen, Alfvén, J.N. David, L. Glass, W. Berger etc?

[Spotted Horses]

No thread for this interesting composer whose four piano concertos represent the core of his romantic style (two sets of them on Hyperion and Chandos).

This new CPO release was the excuse to create this thread (already available for streaming):



Much as I support CPO for making possible unknown repertoire on record, I'm not sure about "the need" for what seems to be another cycle of his piano concertos (the Symphony has been recorded already too). I don't know what is occurring to them. When are they going to complete the symphony cycles by Badings, Röntgen, Alfvén, J.N. David, L. Glass, W. Berger etc?

Much as I bemoan the incomplete cycles, such as the Badings, I can't fault cpo. We don't get to see their balance sheet, and how the various projects contribute, positively or negatively, to their financial position.

I haven't heard the Scharwenka orchestral music, but Hyperion's recordings of his chamber music, particularly the cello sonata and Piano Quartet in F, are superb.

[Maestro267]

I have Piano Concertos 2 & 3 on their (presumably) original Collins Classics issue, and the apparently-legendary, Gramophone Record of the Year-winning No. 4/Sauer 1.

[kyjo]

No thread for this interesting composer whose four piano concertos represent the core of his romantic style (two sets of them on Hyperion and Chandos).

This new CPO release was the excuse to create this thread (already available for streaming):



Much as I support CPO for making possible unknown repertoire on record, I'm not sure about "the need" for what seems to be another cycle of his piano concertos (the Symphony has been recorded already too). I don't know what is occurring to them. When are they going to complete the symphony cycles by Badings, Röntgen, Alfvén, J.N. David, L. Glass, W. Berger etc?

Whilst I do agree with you, I'd certainly rather have the 3rd or 4th recording of a Scharwenka concerto than the millionth recording of a Beethoven symphony. Plus, I'd feel bad complaining about CPO since I'm so endlessly grateful to them for recording so much fantastic unknown repertoire!

[Symphonic Addict]

Whilst I do agree with you, I'd certainly rather have the 3rd or 4th recording of a Scharwenka concerto than the millionth recording of a Beethoven symphony.

They didn't make the millionth recording of a Beethoven symphony, but they did make the 983482 recording of his piano concertos and they expanded the number of them! I suppose that was a "plus".

[Symphonic Addict]

Spotted Horses mentioned some of his chamber music from this twofer (which contains two piano trios, one cello sonata, one violin sonata, Serenade for violin and piano and one Piano Quartet):



I endorse the comments about the Piano Quartet, and additionally the two piano trios are substantial pieces as well.