Paul Wranitzky Orchestral Works 4 Expands Scope

One thing I like about Naxos' Wranitzky series is the concept. It really is a survey of his orchestral music -- not just his symphonies. Not that there isn't enough material -- Wranitzky wrote 56 symphonies.

This volume presents one of his ballets, along with an occasional piece for Empress Marie Therese. Das Waldmädchen (The Forest Maiden) was a major hit. It premiered in 1796 and ran for 130+ performances.

 Arrangements were made of the melodies, and it was revived several times. By contrast, Beethoven's Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus only received 28 performances. 

Obviously, tastes change. Wranitzky's music may have been more listen-friendly than Beethoven's. But it wasn't slight. Wranitzky was a talented composer, orchestrator, and conductor. 

Das Waldmädchen isn't just a collection of tunes. Each number furthers the story. It also lays out the emotions of the characters and sets the stage for their actions. I think it compares favorably to the theater music of Mozart.

Also included is the Pastorale and Allemande. And this work is slight. Empress Marie Therese wanted music for an evening's entertainment, and Wranitzky obliged. It's tuneful, catchy, and straightforward. Again, I think it compares well to Mozart's divertimenti. 

The Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice is directed by Marek Štilec. The intimate sound of the ensemble is well-suited to this music. There wouldn't have been a full-sized orchestra in the pit for Das Waldmädchen. And most likely a small group of musicians performed the Pastorale and Allemande. After all, it was background music. 

The ensemble has a good blend, and I especially liked the sound of the strings.

Wranitzky wrote at least eleven ballets. After auditioning Das Waldmädchen, I'm ready to hear more. 

Paul Wranitzky: Orchestral Works 4
Das Waldmädchen (Ballet-Pantomime); Pastorale and Allemande
Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice; Marek Štilec, conductor
Naxos