CD 81
Chamber Music Concert 1999
Edmund von Wörndle, The Land of Lakes in the Obervinschgau (detail), 1863
Johann Rufinatscha is an exceedingly remarkable composer and his importance extends far beyond regional borders. It seems almost incredible that a musician of such persuasive quality has not received the attention he deserves, neither in musical practice nor scholarly research. This CD is the fi rst musical documentation ever of works by this South Tyrolean composer, who was born in Mals. Rufi natscha studied at the Innsbruck musical society and acquired such competence that he was already able to have a piano sonata published and to compose a substantial symphony. In order to get to know the Viennese world of music firsthand, he moved to Vienna and completed his studies with Simon Sechter. It was not long before he managed to dedicate a published piano sonata to his famous teacher. The composition of his first piano quartet also falls within this period. This work of a 24-year-old composer is absolutely original, animated by a dedicated pioneering spirit and distinguished in many ways by an astonishing mastery. Coinciding with his meeting Johannes Brahms and becoming friends with him is his second piano quartet composed around 1870. This quartet is a compelling masterpiece with a consummate formal arrangement and with beautiful and moving musical ideas. The expression appears considerably more mature and considered than in the stormy fi rst piano quartet. The assuredness of Rufi natscha’s capable mastery is perceivable in every compositional detail. Compared to the fi rst quartet, the instruments are directed more individually, the harmonic dimensions further developed, and the tonal color has the glow of old gold.
Track 6, 1:59
Quartett
Adagio molto