Albert Dietrich - For Brahms Fans

Albert Dietrich was one of those talents overshadowed by the company they keep. Dietrich studied composition with Robert Schumann, and the two remained close friends. When Johannes Brahms entered the Schumanns' circle, Dietrich was there. 

And the two also became close friends. Dietrich's "Recollections of Brahms" (1898) remains an important reference work for Brahms scholars. 

As a composer, Dietrich wasn't quite in the same league as Schumann and Brahms. But he was pretty close. In 1924 a piano trio was unearthed and initially attributed to Brahms. Modern scholarship now leans towards Dietrich. So, yeah. Pretty close.

This release is a great introduction to Dietrich. His Symphony in D minor from 1869 has a Brahmsian character to it. Dietrich is a more precise composer, though. He works out his themes in a deliberate manner, illuminating the structure of the movements. 

It was one of the most popular symphonies of the early 1870s, and it's easy to hear why. It's a well-crafted work written in the then-new style of Schumann and company.  

The 1874 Violin Concerto in D minor was composed for Joseph Joachim. Joachim was a virtuoso violinist/composer -- and part of Brahms' circle. The work was premiered by Johann Lauterbach. It's not clear if Joachim ever performed it. 

Too bad. It's a delicious work full of rich, Romantic harmonies and heart-on-your-sleeve melodies. Violist Klaidi Sahatci delivers a warmly expressive performance. It gives us every ounce of emotion Dietrich wrote into the score. I'm surprised more violinists don't have this in their repertoire. It's just a pleasure to listen to (especially if you like Brahms). 

The Solistes Europeens Luxembourg deliver some fine performances. Conductor Christoph Konig's interpretations are spot on. Brahms' style informs these performances. But it doesn't overwhelm them. Dietrich was in tune with Brahms' aesthetic. But he had his own ideas of where they should go. And those differences make this an engaging (and fun) listen.    

Albert Dietrich
Overture in C major, Op. 35
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 30
Symphony in D minor, Op. 20
Klaidi Sahatci, violin; Slistes Europeens, Luxembourg; Christoph Konig, conductor
Naxos 8.574507