Looking through Sara's listing, there does not seem to be a topic for Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, so I'm starting one.
Over the last two weeks, I've gotten three CPO recordings of his orchestral works, and would like to hear some of his operatic output. Can anyone make suggestions?
Apparently not. But I am now enjoying some Wolf-Ferrari in the Suite-concertino in F, op. 16.
Quote from: Ataraxia on November 17, 2011, 06:15:02 PM
Apparently not. But I am now enjoying some Wolf-Ferrari in the Suite-concertino in F, op. 16.
This recording, which is one of the ones that got me interested in him, or another?[asin]B000UTOLCO[/asin]
That whole series on CPO seems well done (no surprise there).
Mine is Kim Walker/London Mozart Players/Jane Glover
I really should let people who know his operas more to reply first. But since no one has done so, I will comment a little bit based on the little that I know and have heard.
The only one of his opera that i have heard more than once (on the radio) was the Secret of Susanna. Nice little work. I heard all his operas (maybe 4 of them) on the radio and remember loving some of the interludes immensely. They seem far more memorable than the singing parts.
Several pieces appear to be unpublished, so finding a recording would be near nil, unless a musicologist has gone and photocopied* some manuscripts.
Will we ever hear:
String Quintet from 1894
Sonata in F, Op.25, for 2 violins & piano, from 1943
String Trio in a, Op.32 in a, from 1945
Cello Sonata in G, Op.30, from 1945
Duo in g, Op.33 for violin & cello, from 1946
Introduzione e balletto, Op.35 for violin & cello, also from '46
:-X
* and corrected
Since there are few comments on this thread, I wanted to post on it my enthusiasm toward his Sinfonia da camera in B-flat major, op. 8 (1901) for piano, two violins, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn. It was written in the same year than another of his high-quality early pieces, the Piano Quintet in D-flat major, and it shares a similar melodic inspiration (the 2nd movement, for instance, is a wonder into itself). His handling of this chamber ensemble proves to be highly succesful. His late Sinfonia brevis also gave me a positive impression, but this work is even better.
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.223868.jpg)
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 12, 2024, 03:22:02 PMSince there are few comments on this thread, I wanted to post on it my enthusiasm toward his Sinfonia da camera in B-flat major, op. 8 (1901) for piano, two violins, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn. It was written in the same year than another of his high-quality early pieces, the Piano Quintet in D-flat major, and it shares a similar melodic inspiration (the 2nd movement, for instance, is a wonder into itself). His handling of this chamber ensemble proves to be highly succesful. His late Sinfonia brevis also gave me a positive impression, but this work is even better.
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/8.223868.jpg)
I have fond memories of the
Sinfonia da Camera, so I must revisit it! In addition to his Piano Quintet, his two piano trios also contain some fine music. By contrast, none of his orchestral works have left me with a very positive impression. I don't know any of his operas...
Quote from: kyjo on June 12, 2024, 06:53:44 PMI have fond memories of the Sinfonia da Camera, so I must revisit it! In addition to his Piano Quintet, his two piano trios also contain some fine music. By contrast, none of his orchestral works have left me with a very positive impression. I don't know any of his operas...
Do those orchestral works include the concertos? The CD with his concertos for woodwinds is the best starting point if you don't know it yet. The one for english horn is a beauty.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 13, 2024, 02:06:08 PMDo those orchestral works include the concertos? The CD with his concertos for woodwinds is the best starting point if you don't know it yet. The one for english horn is a beauty.
Good to know, Cesar - I'll have to check his woodwind concerti out. So far, I haven't been too impressed by his violin and cello concerti or his Serenade for Strings, though they have their lovely moments.
To be released on 9 August. It looks like a reissue of the Wolf-Ferrari. The Franchetti is new on this label.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTYzNjkwNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE3MTgyMDExMzB9)
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 14, 2024, 04:05:15 PMTo be released on 9 August. It looks like a reissue of the Wolf-Ferrari. The Franchetti is new on this label.
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTYzNjkwNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE3MTgyMDExMzB9)
The original issue seems to be this
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71j96-W+ZBL._UF1000,1000_QL80_FMwebp_.jpg)
To be released on 9 August. I just hope the performances are professional taking into account the reputation of this record label, especially for the string quartets (one in E minor and the another in A minor).
(https://i.imgur.com/ENzgokf.jpg)
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on June 19, 2024, 11:43:28 AMTo be released on 9 August. I just hope the performances are professional taking into account the reputation of this record label, especially for the string quartets (one in E minor and the another in A minor).
(https://i.imgur.com/ENzgokf.jpg)
This brand-new recording is already available.