Pianophilia

Introducing once again a forgotten composer
(sorry for putting pressure on our foremost music critics... )

Felix von WOYRSCH (German composer 1860-1944; mainly self-taught)
Zwei Walzer op. 8Nice (salon-)waltzes unexpected by a composer from whose pen came
a lot of most serious works with a typically northern-german flavour.

Felix von WOYRSCH
Thema mit Variationen (C dur) op. 17Fine music: sensitive, refined, modest, non-virtuosic;
reminiscent of Navratil's Variationen op. 7;
also slightly reminiscent of Alban Berg's early piano works.

Another interesting find, Alfor. At the outset, I must say that I'm not much of a fan of the Waltz--Chopin having written the last word on it and along with a few others taking this form, there has not been much to hold my interest. Composers, however, flock to the form and it seems everybody writes them, but I easily tire of the "um-pah-pah" left hand so when I see some Waltzes come along like this which are much more adventuresome, I am glad to take notice. The real standout is Woyrsch's first waltz and while couched in mostly traditional 19th century harmonies (but I did see a "querständige" {cross relation} near the end). it is extremely well written and rather a good show piece. The slower 2nd waltz is also most excellent. They would make a nice grouping, but I'd play the 2nd one first.

I find the Op.17 Variations much less ambitious and considerably smaller in scope than, say, Keller's, but there certainly is room for variations on this scale and they are great fun to play. Since you compared this to Nawratil's Op.7 Variations, I pulled that out of the stack and played through that again also and would say that the Nawratil while similar in size, is considerably more brilliant in some of its variations and bit more advanced harmoniclly.

Felix WOYRSCH
Improvisationen op. 44
No. 1 In ein Album
No. 1 Erinnerung
No. 1 Nächtlicher Ritt
No. 1 Frühlingsgesang
No. 1 Notturno
No. 1 Canzonetta
No. 1 Traumgesicht
No. 1 Epilog

Dear Alfred,

I must confess that I find your latest posting of the Woyrsch Improvisationen to be completely enchanting. What a beautiful set of Characterstucke. This work is a heart-warming treasure. I'm also quite fond of the poetry that precedes nearly all of the pieces. Maybe slightly reminiscent of Schumann... Of all the Woyrsch pieces which you posted, this one really speaks to me. But you know I'm a nostalgic type!

On the Variations and Waltzes, I second both fleubis' and your comments. After much playing of the magnificent Keller variations (which I adore) the Woyrsch variations naturally need to be evaluated with a different mindset...but they certainly hold their own. I also pulled out the score for Nawratil Op. 7, and find these more ambitious than the Woyrsch but not necessarily better musically. On the whole I find Woyrsch's piano writing sensitive, readily accessible and very enjoyable to play. But agreed his piano pieces do not approach the sophistication and complexity of his Symphonic works, which are world-class (imho).

All Best,

Frank (aka Dr.H)

Felix WOYRSCH
Metamorphosen op. 48

What a wonderful set of pieces the Metamorphosen are! And great examples of thematic development. I think the standout movement is the Tarantella--it is a fantastically brilliant whirlwind of gorgeous piano writing and immensely effective . All these pieces are gratefully written, and I like the way the composer states his material before each piece--this is very interesting and rather different from a theme-and-variations and sets forth sort of a sort of transformation which is hugely interesting. It takes a very skilled composer to pull this off!

It has become quite clear that Frank and I have very similar tastes, so while I am totally unfamiliar with this composer, I am off in search of his symphonic works--if Frank thinks they are world class, then they are worth seeking out. If they are anything like these piano works, those record companies need to get busy.

Dear Alfred,

The Woyrsch Metamorphosen are simply brilliant and I believe the best of his piano writing which you've posted thus far!! I agree completely with fleubis' comments, and also like the preliminary statements of thematic material Woyrsch uses. Very original! Absolutely masterfully crafted piano music.

and Dear fleubis, after a quick search I found that a CD of Woyrsch's First Symphony and Symphonic Prologue is still in print, just FYI. It's on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Felix-Woyrsch-Sym ... B0000021GI

And once again dear Alfred, thanks for introducing us to another great piano composer!! Were it not for your listings I'd still be playing Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, etc. to an exhaustive extent. There is SO much beautiful piano music in the world to study, and you've certainly opened my eyes to much of it.

All Best,

Frank (a.k.a. Dr.H)

Dear Alfor and Frank. Yes, Frank, you hit the nail right on the head! If it weren't for Alfor I'd likely be spending my life recreating for the millionth time, Bach, Brahms and Beethoven. Pianohilia and especially Alfor (and Malcolm) have opened up new horizons and ..... and.......and WHO KNEW? I would say few pianists outside of Europe are aware of the quality and scope of outstanding piano literature which has escaped the mainstream only to grow dust in the fabulous European libraries.

Frank, thank you so much for that link.....I can't want to get that CD.....one of the comments on Amazon opined that the symphony sounds like Brahms' 5th.....!

To put things in perspective, please let's not forget the vast number
of wonderful pdf contributions made to Pianophilia and elsewhere
(other forums and IMSLP) over the years, by many other contributors,
with Caprotti perhaps being the most outstanding.