Schreker / Bochumer Symphoniker - Complete Orchestral Works Vol. 2 - Music CD

Following the first volume in this series, which charted Franz Schreker's developmental path up to the success of his dance-pantomimeDer Geburtstag der Infantin(The Birthday of the Infanta; 777 702-2), this second album focuses primarily on the triumphant years that followed the premiere of his operaDer ferne Klang(The Distant Sound) in 1912. TheVorspiel zu einem Drama (Prelude to a Drama) from 1914 and theChamber Symphony, composed in 1916, are among the gems of musical Jugendstil (Art Nouveau). Originating as offshoots of contemporary stage projects, these two captivating works display a mastery of sound, harmony, and melody that was unparalleled at the time. TheFour Small Pieces for Large Orchestra(1931), which separate these older "siblings" on this recording, speak in a new language. These abstract contributions to film music, presented as a compact and multifaceted concert suite, hint at powerful new directions - plans that, sadly, Franz Schreker could never fully realize.