Favorite work of April 2018

Every month a member of the Carus team introduces his/her favorite work, whether it be a choral piece, a CD, a songbook or an instrumental work. The recommendation for April 2018 was contributed by Luise Schrumpf.

Johann Joseph Fux (1660–1741): La Grandezza della Musica Imperiale

Often still only known as the author of the composition method “Gradus ad Parnassum”, a textbook on the basics of counterpoint, Johann Joseph Fux left an extensive and varied output, much of which has unfortunately fallen into oblivion. As imperial Kapellmeister under Leopold I and Charles VI he held one of the most important musical positions of the 18th century. His duties included writing works for various occasions at court, such as for birthdays and name days.

In the course of Fux research, which had its beginnings in the mid-19th century with the catalogue of works by Ludwig von Köchel, some works were rediscovered, including orchestral compositions recorded here by the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra conducted by Gottfried von der Goltz. This recording has received the Diapason d’Or and the Pizzicato Supersonic Award.

My favorite piece in this first-class recording is the Ouverture in D minor, which I cannot hear too much of. After an introductory festive Ouverture movement, one of the movements named after birdsong follows: “Pour le Rossignol” (Nightingale). This is followed by a magical Menuet and Passepied, an Air, a Gigue and finally two more “birdsong” movements to finish – “Pour la Caille” (quail) and “Pour le Coucou” (cuckoo). To imitate the birdsong, the movements in this recording are expanded with improvisations by percussion instruments and recorders. The dances are composed in such a lively and sparkling style that you simply want to join in and dance.

It is great that the 20-minute work, for strings, oboes ad lib and basso continuo, is available from Carus not only on CD, but as a first edition with the complete parts, edited by Klaus Winkler. A real discovery!

Luise Schrumpf has worked for over 20 years – since 1994 – at Carus-Verlag and is responsible for rental material in the Sales Department. In her free time she happily accompanies the in-house ensemble at Carus on the piano.