How is it possible that certain essential compositions remain gathering dust in libraries for more than two hundred years and have to wait so long for publication to receive the deserved attention of the public?
With this recording, an initiative of the Slovak double bass soloist Ján Krigovský, the works of composer Sperger will undoubtedly cause a small sensation in the music world! The album features three concertos for double bass and orchestra by Johann Matthias Sperger, who was not only a composer but also the most renowned double bassist of the 18th century, accompanied by the chamber orchestra Collegium Wartberg 430, under the direction of the soloist.From Sperger's enormous legacy of compositions - which includes no fewer than eighteen double bass concertos - Krigovský selected his early works. Concerto No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 were all written during the years of Sperger's first appointment as double bassist, between 1777 and 1783, in the court orchestra of the Archbishop of Hungary, Duke Joseph Graf von Batthyány in Pressburg. Sperger's approach to the solo double bass was quite unique for his time, as was the execution of the orchestral part, and is reminiscent of the cello concertos of Joseph Haydn. Melody and virtuosity leave nothing to be desired and demand complete mastery of the instrument. The idea of soloist Ján Krigovský to enrich the orchestral colors of Concerto No. 4 with the 'dulcimer' (family of the zither/cimbalom) gives the music a folkloric 'touch' that reveals the Bohemian roots of the composer.
All three double bass concertos on this CD consist of three movements. In all these works, the first and third movements are lively, each with a striking theme, and virtuosic in design, with wind instruments always used in the outer movements: 2 oboes and 2 horns, and in Concerto No. 3 also timpani and trumpets. The soloist uses gut strings, as was customary at the time when the works were composed more than two hundred years ago, which brings out the warm sound of the instruments. The chamber orchestra Collegium Wartberg 430, under the direction of soloist Ján Krigovský, provides very authentic accompaniment.
Jan Krigovsky is a double bassist, art director, manager, producer, publisher, dramaturg and poet. He is a well-known, much sought-after soloist and has collaborated with numerous ensembles specializing in the authentic interpretation of early music. purchase link** If you make a purchase via the link above, we receive a small commission. This allows us to continue providing you with reviews and articles. By buying something through our link, you support us in writing new articles. Products will never be more expensive for you when using our links.