Ernst Toch's "Tanz-Suite / Cello Concerto" is a captivating journey through the modern classical music landscape, showcasing the composer's innovative spirit and technical prowess. Recorded in 2006 and released under the Naxos label, this album presents two significant works by Toch: the Tanz-Suite, Op. 30, and the Cello Concerto, Op. 35, both composed in Mannheim in the early 1920s.
The Tanz-Suite, a six-movement suite, opens with "Ansturmend, ziemlich rasch (Roter Wirbeltanz)" and closes with "Massige Viertel (Tanz des Erwachens)," each piece offering a unique dance character that ranges from energetic and spirited to solemn and reflective. The Cello Concerto, performed with virtuosity by Christian Poltéra, is a four-movement work that highlights the expressive range of the cello, from the lyrical "Adagio" to the lively "Allegro vivace."
This album is a testament to Toch's ability to blend traditional forms with modern sensibilities, creating a sound that is both accessible and groundbreaking. The performances by Spectrum Concerts Berlin, under the direction of Thomas Carroll, bring out the richness and depth of Toch's compositions, making this a must-listen for fans of classical and modern music alike. With a total duration of 57 minutes, this album is a concise yet profound exploration of Toch's musical genius.
2006 Naxos2006 Naxos
Tracks
Tanz-Suite, Op. 30: I. Ansturmend, ziemlich rasch (Roter Wirbeltanz)Ernst Toch, Marieke Schneemann, Lars Wouters van den Oudenweijer, Priya Mitchell, Hartmut Rohde, Stacey Watton, Daniel Tummes, Thomas Carroll
Tanz-Suite, Op. 30: II. Schwer, lastend (Tanz des Grauens)Ernst Toch, Marieke Schneemann, Lars Wouters van den Oudenweijer, Priya Mitchell, Hartmut Rohde, Stacey Watton, Daniel Tummes, Thomas Carroll
Tanz-Suite, Op. 30: III. Intermezzo. Fliessende AchtelErnst Toch, Marieke Schneemann, Lars Wouters van den Oudenweijer, Priya Mitchell, Hartmut Rohde, Stacey Watton, Daniel Tummes, Thomas Carroll
Tanz-Suite, Op. 30: IV. Gemessen (Tanz des Schweigens)Ernst Toch, Marieke Schneemann, Lars Wouters van den Oudenweijer, Priya Mitchell, Hartmut Rohde, Stacey Watton, Daniel Tummes, Thomas Carroll
Tanz-Suite, Op. 30: V. Intermezzo. LebhaftErnst Toch, Marieke Schneemann, Lars Wouters van den Oudenweijer, Priya Mitchell, Hartmut Rohde, Stacey Watton, Daniel Tummes, Thomas Carroll
Tanz-Suite, Op. 30: VI. Massige Viertel (Tanz des Erwachens)Ernst Toch, Marieke Schneemann, Lars Wouters van den Oudenweijer, Priya Mitchell, Hartmut Rohde, Stacey Watton, Daniel Tummes, Thomas Carroll
Cello Concerto, Op. 35: I. Allegro assai moderatoErnst Toch, Christian Poltéra, Spectrum Concerts Berlin, Thomas Carroll
Cello Concerto, Op. 35: II. AgitatoErnst Toch, Christian Poltéra, Spectrum Concerts Berlin, Thomas Carroll
Cello Concerto, Op. 35: III. AdagioErnst Toch, Christian Poltéra, Spectrum Concerts Berlin, Thomas Carroll
Cello Concerto, Op. 35: IV. Allegro vivaceErnst Toch, Christian Poltéra, Spectrum Concerts Berlin, Thomas Carroll
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