Goetz: The Complete Orchestral Works

On this CD:

1. Symphony in F, Op 9
Composed by Hermann Goetz
Performed by Monte Carlo National Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Edouard van Remoortel

2. The Taming of the Shrew Overture
Composed by Hermann Goetz
Performed by Monte Carlo National Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Edouard van Remoortel

3. Spring Overture for orchestra, Op 15
Composed by Hermann Goetz
Performed by Monte Carlo National Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Edouard van Remoortel

4. Francesca Da Rimini, opera Overture
Composed by Hermann Goetz
Performed by Monte Carlo National Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Edouard van Remoortel

Amazon.com

Hindemith was the greatest German composer of the post-War period, and the last in that great line that began with Bach and extended through the Classical and Romantic periods. His orchestral music is varied and generally extremely approachable, and the percentage of major works is very high. Nobilissima visione, Symphonic Metamorphoses, Mathis der Maler, Symphony in E-flat, and Concert Music for Strings and Brass are all popular masterpieces, while works such as the Symphonic Dances, Symphonia Serena, and Harmony of the World Symphony deserve the same accolades. This set, excellently performed and recorded by a selection of fine Australian orchestras, really deserves the widest circulation among fans of listenable contemporary classical music. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great performances of a great composer.......2006-08-23

While Hindemith will never be known for changing the way the world hears music, he will always be recognized as composing well-crafted minor masterpieces, even if they can be a little formulaic and his sense of melody was a little warped. All six discs in this set have gems that should be heard more often in the concert halls and recorded more. In particular, the Concerto for Orchestra on Disc 6 is fantastic -- with its addictive and fun themes and transparent structure, it was the only work I listened to for about a month. Of the rarer works recorded here, his Symphony Serena on Disc 5 is a little tougher to like, but is really quite good, while his Symphony in E flat on Disc 4 is nothing short of amazing. The Philharmonic Concerto, a set of variations on a strange but catchy theme that only Hindemith could write, also really shines in this set.

Of his more well known -- if you can call any Hindemith "well known" -- works, the recordings are a mixed bag. His Concert Music for Strings and Brass on Disc 3 have a wonderful fullness in the lower brass that I haven't heard in other performances. But the Mathis der Maler Symphony and Nobilissima Visione are both so-so and a little dull. And the performance of Symphonic Metamorphosis here is just outright terrible and a big disappointment, full of mistakes and uneven tempos.

But that's ok. Because you can get good recordings of his better-known works elsewhere. But because his lesser works are presented here in such convincing performances, this set is a must buy for anyone exploring Hindemith! The other 2 box sets on CPO that round out his complete orchestral works are just as good, if not even better. All are highly recommended.

Hindemith, Hindemith, Hindemith!!!!!.......2005-05-15

Wow, this box set is phenomenal. First off, HIndemith is one of the most underappreciated and underrated composers of the 20th century. In my opinion he is definetly in the top 5 along with Stravinsky, Schoenberg, etc. This box set is simply amazing. Whether it is the sound quality, or the works themselves, they will provide you with hours and hours of great music. Although Hindemith was a 20th century composer, his works are EXTREMELY ACCESSIBLE and have a chromatic-romantic feeling to them. I am a music teacher and I have a huge classical collection and this box set is played more than most else. Also, I would recommend the other two volumes by CPO, they are just as good as this set.

DIDN'T THINK THAT THEY MADE THEM LIKE THIS ANYMORE.......2002-12-08

I listened upstairs in bed, on the couch watching football with the sound off, while typing my uncle William E. Crawford's WWII journals. It doesn't get any better than Paul Hindemith, whether it is band music, symphony, ragtime, or overture.
I confess I sometimes have a love-hate feeling about the role of the Jewish Diaspora musicians and composers. But they do the time to the beat and more. I always go to them for performance. They should teach other Americans to compose and perform.

Tracks:

Symphony In F Major, Op. 9: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony In F Major, Op. 9: II. Intermezzo: Allegretto
Symphony In F Major, Op. 9: III. Adagio ma non troppo lento
Symphony In F Major, Op. 9: IV. Finale: Allegro con fuoco
Overture To: 'The Taming Of The Shrew'
Spring Overture, Op. 15
Overture To: 'Francesca'

Customer Reviews:

A LOVELY, LITTLE SYMPHONY.......2001-09-13

Hermann Goetz (1840-1876), whose brief life ended shortly before his thirty-sixth birthday, left in his humble wake compositions of long-lasting beauty and enduring charm. Goetz, despite the preponderance of composers whose names form the very foundation of the Romantic era, was not neglected or unknown during his lifetime; on the contrary, his music moved actively throughout Germany and all the way to the shores of England. Unfortunately, as with most "minor" composers, his music all but disappeared after his death--- and had to wait nearly one hundred years to be brought before a public hungry for "lost" 19th century masters.

The gem of this collection is, naturally, the Symphony in F, Op. 9, written in 1873, an amalgam of originality, symbiosis and a kind of musical anticipatory foresight. Yet, throughout, despite the fervor of the highest compositional efforts that surrounded him, Goetz always retains his own "voice."

The opening Allegro moderato (9:05) is a perfect example. After a rousing orchestral entry, not unlike Schumann in its exhuberance, there is more than just a hint of Wagner (cf. Siegfried Idyll) and of Richard Strauss (cf. Ein Heldenleben) trotting about before Goetz grabs the reins and counterbalances his stride with some strikingly original thematic and lyrical material. More than likely, Goetz knew Wagner's "Idyll," easily; however, the Straussian motifs predate Strauss by over twenty years. It makes for fascinating listening and comparison.

Similarly, the delightful Intermezzo (6:10), like "landler" fresh from the Alps--- horn calls and all!--- brings to mind more than bits and pieces of Mahler's First and Fourth Symphonies... both written 1888 and 1900, respectively... and years after the Goetz Op. 9 in F Major. The influence on Mahler is more than obvious and, again, fascinating. The movement, itself, is lovely, sun-filled, joyful.

The Adagio (10:56), for me, is pure, unadulerated, lyrical Goetz. It is a deeply-felt rapture, a nourishment for the soul. Following, in a burst of jubilance, the Allegro con fuoco finale (6:31) revives us--- and sails us away on waves of the most cheerful melodies.

The three overtures included round out the totality of Goetz, the orchestrator. "Shrew" (6:01) and "Francesca" (9:45) are actually opera overtures; "Spring" (11:39), however, composed in 1864, is a bonafide concert work in and of itself and, as such, is the most substantial of the lot, generous in its flowing invention, gracefulness and subdued melancholy.

The Monte Carlo National Orchestra, under the seasoned Van Remoortel, plays splendidly throughout and with complete empathy. The sound has transferred to CD exceedingly well and, in the process, has gained an improved warmth, openness and glow.

[Running time: 60:43]

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