Robert Schumanns congenial song cycle after poems of Joseph v Eichendorff gets in this version for clarinet or viola and string orchestra absolutely new sound aspects. You will be surprised!

1. In der Fremde,  2. Intermezzo (1:37), 3. Waldesgespräch (3:16), 4. Die Stille (5:09), 5. Mondnacht (6:29), 6. Schöne Fremde (9:06)
 

Robert Schumanns congenial song cycle after poems of Joseph v Eichendorff gets in this version for cello and string orchestra absolutely new sound aspects. You will be surprised!

7. "Auf einer Burg,  8. In der Fremde (2:22), 9. Wehmut (3:34), 10. Zwielicht (5:26), 11. Im Walde (8:19), 12. Frühlingsnacht (9:25)
 

Robert Schumanns congenial song cycle after poems of Joseph v Eichendorff gets in this version for horn in F and string orchestra absolutely new sound aspects. You will be surprised!

7. "Auf einer Burg,  8. In der Fremde (2:22), 9. Wehmut (3:34), 10. Zwielicht (5:26), 11. Im Walde (8:19), 12. Frühlingsnacht (9:25)
 

The title "Annen-Polka" refers to the popular 'Annenfest' in Vienna on the occasion of St. Anne's Day on July 26th. Johann Strauss (jr.) composed a polka for this occasion in 1852 and dedicated it to the then empress of Austria, Maria Anna (1803 - 1884). Here the version for orchestra in original key.

"January - At the Fireside" from "The seasons", op.37b

A little corner of peaceful bliss,
the night dressed in twilight;
the little fire is dying in the fireplace,
and the candle has burned out.
(Alexander Pushkin)

Beautiful melodies in changing instrumentation and shimmering chords  determine the beginning. In the middle the fire is flaring, sending out sparks.  A string tremolo accompanies the descending figuration of the winds. At the end the fire's glow goes out slowly, the figuration gets higher and more quietly.

"March - Song of the Lark" from "The seasons", op.37b

The field shimmering with flowers,
the stars swirling in the heavens,
the song of the lark
fills the blue abyss.
(Apollon Maykov)

A frothy tender little spring picture. Solo woodwinds convey the singing of the lark, muted strings describe the light fog in the atmosphere.

"May - Starlit Nights" from "The seasons", op.37b

What a night!
What bliss all about!
I thank my native north country!
From the kingdom of ice,
snowstorms and snow,
how fresh and clean May flies in!
(Afanasy Fet)

Clearly drawn and impressive sounding the first theme in nine-eight time, where the beginning is played only by the wind instruments. Following a change between winds and strings (partly pizz.). The central section in minor and two-four time is more agitated and runs up to a culmination in major. At the end a reprise with reversed instrumentation which fades away in the strings (con sordino).

"July - Song of the Reapers" from "The seasons", op.37b

Move the shoulders,
shake the arms!
And the noon wind
breathes in the face!
(Aleksey Koltsov)

A cheerful jubilant march is proceeding, contrasted by a more lugubrious pedal point and frequently interrupted by a little standstill. At the end the first theme fades away in pianissimo.

"September - Hunting" from "The seasons", op.37b

It is time!
The horns are sounding!
The hunters in their hunting dress are mounted on their horses;
in early dawn the borzois are jumping.
(Alexander Pushkin: Graf Nulin)

The jubilant horns and all hunting fanfares are pressing forwards. The whole orchestra rushes off in a rapid tempo. Some tranquility rises up in the central section with scattered calls of the high an the low brass. But the consistent rhythm of the triplets leads over to the reprise with a distinctive end.

"November - Troika" from "The seasons", op.37b

In your loneliness do not look at the road,
and do not rush out after the troika.
Suppress at once and forever the fear of longing in your heart.
(Nikolay Nekrasov)

A sleigh ride with rapid horses, tingling bells and shining snow (virtuous part of the flutes). A dance-like section in the centre interrupted by the coachman's crack of the whip.

A brand new arrangement of all twelve original piano pieces for orchestra.

Based on piece for piano solo Tchaikovsky's "Seasons" were some of the best selling pieces for the composer. They came out with epigraphs as monthly supplement  of a music magazine.

In this set: A very pictorial representation of the open fire, exuberant joy of life in the carnival, the first singing of the lark, a cheerful picture of the spring.  

Reduced bundle price!

A composition from Weber's early period. The setting of the orchestra is a little unusual, the stronger contrasts of the dynamic are remarkable. The beautiful melodic ideas may refer to a former opera called "Das Waldmädchen". The harmony is mostly in classical style, but there are some modulations which are already indicate the Romantic area.

Overall it is a worthwile rediscovery which should be played much more.