Main » 2011 » August » 22 » Johann Georg Albrechtsberger - Concertos For Jew's Harp, Mandora And Orchestra (1984)
11:13 PM
Johann Georg Albrechtsberger - Concertos For Jew's Harp, Mandora And Orchestra (1984)
Yes, yes, it's a bizarre choice of instruments. But despite what one
reviewer said, these works are sweetly written and very pleasant.
Albrechtsberger is obscure as a composer, but well remembered as an
influential theorist. He also served as a music teacher to Beethoven
when he grew frustrated with Haydn, who had not the time to correct his
work. These works are in the galant or rococo style, somewhere between
baroque and classical (but closer to classical). These works must be
understood in the context of the galant period. At that time, folk
instruments had become very fashionable, and some composers became
interested in them, such as Leopold Mozart, who wrote for the alp horn,
hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, and so on. The mandora, a type of lute, has a
good sound, and the jew's harp is surprisingly melodious considering the
fact that the fundamental pitch does not vary. All in all, this is very
pleasant music, and even the non-musical will be entertained by the
sheer quirkiness of it.
(by R. Folk)
Really, it has to be heard to be believed. Recordings of the Jew's Harp
Concerto have been amusing music students at parties for years. It is
one those oddities that one will find it hard to resist adding to one's
collection.
I recommend this with many caveats. There is a good reason why
Albrechtsberger is a virtual unknown (if not for the Jew's Harp
Concerto, he would be completely off the musical radar), and the novelty
of these pieces is really the only thing that can recommend this
recording. However, you probably already had guessed that.
(by chefdevergue)
Johann Georg Albrechtsberger: February 3, 1736 - March 7, 1809
Personnel: Fritz Mayr (jews harp) Dieter Kirsch (mandora) + Munich Chamber Orchestra conducted by Hans Stadlmair
Tracklist:
Concerto for Jews Harp, Mandora & Orchestra in E major: 01. Tempo moderato (Albrechtsberger) 6.38 02. Adagio (Albrechtsberger) 7.17. 03. Finale - Tempo de menuetto (Albrechtsberger) 6.34
Concerto for Jews Harp,Mandora & Orchestra in F major: 04. Allegro moderato (Albrechtsberger) 4.40 05. Andante (Albrechtsberger) 6.38 06. Menuetto. Moderato (Albrechtsberger) 3.58 07. Finale - Allegro molto (Albrechtsberger) 3.08 ARMU 0057
