Wranitzky: Symphonies, Opp. 31 & 52

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In his time, Paul Wranitzky was one of the most highly regarded and one of the most successful Austrian composers. Not only did he work for the Esterhazy family and receive commissions from the Hapsburg family, he led the premieres of Haydn's "Creation" and Beethoven's Symphony No. 1. After his death in 1808, however, Wranitzky's reputation quickly faded, and he is chiefly remembered as one of the crowd of Austrian classical composers not considered in the same league as Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. This 2004 CPO recording of two of Wranitzky's 51 symphonies with Howard Griffiths leading the NDR Orchestra may not raise the composer's standing in the pantheon, but it is still an entertaining way to spend an hour. The "Grande Sinfonie caractéristique pout la paix avec la Republique francoise" Opus 31 in C minor from 1797 is a colorful four-movement program symphony that depicts the French Revolution in the opening movement, the execution of Louis XVI in the second movement, the battle of the Austrians and French in the third movement, and a declaration of peace in the closing movement. The Symphony in D major, Op. 52, from 1804, Wranitzky's last work in the genre, is a straightforward and quite melodic four-movement symphony. Both works receive spirited performances by Griffiths and the NDR and crisp recordings by CPO. Although probably of interest only to listeners already familiar with the works of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, those who wish to delve deeply into the Viennese classical style may wish to check out Wranitzky.

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