JOHANN WENZEL KALLIWODA (1801-1866): Symphonies No. 2 in E Flat, Op. 17 and No. 4 in C, Op. 60, Concert Overture No. 17 in F Minor, Op. 242.

Catalogue Number: 11M006
Label: CPO
Reference: 777 469
Format: CD
Price: $15.98
Description: This second disc in cpo's new cycle brings us more of Kalliwoda's immediately attractive and interesting early Romantic symphonies with the Fourth (premiered in 1835) by far the most unusual. It mystified and/or irritated most listeners due to its unusual compostional techniques, thematic formation and harmonies but we will be enchanted by the odd funeral-march slow introduction to the main movement (its four-notes become the movements main motive also), the heavily accented and syncopated scherzo or the stabbing chords introducing the main theme of the fourth movement. Presumably, you've never heard this symphony before but, as you're listening to it, you'll swear you have. Die Kölner Akademie; Michael Alexander Willens.