Symphony in D Major
Composer’s Version for Piano Duet, op. 13, Vienna 1870
Johann Rufinatscha is one of the major symphonists of the Tyrol. Born in Mals in South Tyrol, the composer began his music studies in Vienna in 1835 and chose the imperial city as his new home, even starring as one of its musical attractions for a while. Surely it is highly remarkable that Rufinatscha had four concerts held in Vienna in 1846, in the best venues such as the Musikverein, and with the most renowned musicians such as the court opera orchestra. His works, especially the four symphonies composed in that year, made a great impression, particularly for their many novel effects. The music critics of the Viennese press predicted a great future for the Tyrolean composer. Nevertheless, Rufinatscha was unable to fulfill these expectations and did not play the outstanding role in Viennese musical life initially prophesized for him. However, his oeuvre is certainly solid and distinguished by a great seriousness. One composition stands out in Rufinatscha’s production. Evidently all facets of the musical talent he had been gifted with culminated in this piece. Taking almost one hour to play, the grandly conceived Symphony in D Major is an utterly inspired work of art, and it is hard to imagine why not even the version for piano duet featured on this CD was documented until 130 years after its composition. It is a sad fact that this masterpiece has not been played in its original version for orchestra so far. But we are confident that we have paved the way with this vivid CD recording of the composer’s version for piano duet. Printed in 1870, it was dedicated to Johann Herbeck, the director of the Viennese court ensemble of singers and instrumentalists at the time.
Track 3, 3:17
Largo
Part 3