Louis Spohr
Overview - Recordings - Scores - Books - Links
Born: April 5, 1784, Brunswick, Germany
Died: October 22, 1859, Kassel, Germany
The Notturno by Louis Spohr ranks as one of the great 19th-century scores for wind ensemble, right up there with the Mozart and Dvorak Serenades. At least that is my opinion, but clearly not one shared (yet) by recording ensembles. For many years, Consortium Classicum's fine performance, made during the the 200th anniversary year of Spohr's birth, was the only available recording. (Clarinetist Don Christensen and a wind ensemble conducted by Motti Miron offered a new recording last year, but it is currently unavailable.) The Consortium Classicum recording is coupled with Spohr's fine Nonet for Strings and Winds, Op. 31.
The difficulty of Sphor's virtuoso parts have probably inhibited additional recordings, so it is wonderful to see new players take up the challenge. The Notturno is a very special piece in the wind ensemble literature, and anyone who loves the Mozart and Dvorak wind Serenades should check out this recording immediately! Listen to the wonderful clarinet and oboe solo parts in the theme and variations, or the truly chamber-music writing for triangle whenever the "Janissary Music" (or "Turkish band") is playing. This neglected work deserves your attention, and still more performances and recordings.
Recordings
| Works | Performers | Reviews | Stores | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Notturno in C, Op. 34 | Consortium Classicum Dieter Klöcker, leader |
Bauman |
Tower Amazon |
Scores
Books
- The Musical Journeys of Louis Spohr by Louis Spohr, translated by Harry Pleasants
Links
- Louis Spohr page on Composers.Net
- The Spohr Society of Great Britain
- Louis Spohr site (in German)
Home - Favorites - Composers - CD Big List - Reviews - Books - Links - Search - About Us
Copyright © 2000-2003 Recordare LLC. All rights reserved.
Last updated May 9, 2003.