Wranitzky Symphonies Anticipate Beethoven

The finale of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is often cited for its innovative use of Janissary music. Turkish instruments are heard during the march -- triangles, cymbals, drums. 

But this 1822 wasn't the first use of these instruments in an orchestra. Paul Wrantizky used them in his Symphony in D major "Con musica turca" in the 1790s.

That work is in this release, along with another symphony and music from two operas. Paul Wranitzky was a major figure in 1790s Vienna. He was respected and liked by his colleagues. 

Wranitzky performed (at least once) in a string quartet with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Joseph Haydn. He composed around 60 string quartets. A few were misattributed to Haydn, giving an idea of their quality. 

Wranitzky was an innovative symphonist, too. He composed 44 of them. Both Haydn and Beethoven insisted that Wranitzky conduct the premiers of their latest works. So why is he all but forgotten today? One theory is his early death at age 56 in 1808. The dramatic change in music left his catalog sounding out-of-date. 

Fortunately, we have recordings. Naxos' ongoing Wranitzky cycle lets audiences evaluate his works anew. Is Wranitzky's "Turkish Symphony" as good as Beethoven's Ninth? Well, no. But the scope is different. Wranitzky was simply writing a characteristic work, not celebrating universal brotherhood. It is interesting to compare the two Turkish marches, though. To me, Beethoven builds on Wranitzky's orchestration, using the instruments differently. 

If you like late-period Haydn and Mozart, you should enjoy Wranitzky. He was a master of his craft, and that shows in every measure. The music from Wranitzky's operas shows his skill in that genre. These pieces are tuneful and engaging.

The Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice is directed by Marek Stilec. And the musicians play to their usual high standards. Wranitzky's music benefits from the ensemble's modest size. It has a clean, compact sound that suits Wranitzky's work.

I look forward to volume eight!

Paul Wranitzky: Orchestral Works 7
Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice: Marek Stilec, conductor
Naxos 8.574562