Franz Krommer Recordings

Czech composer and violinist Franz Krommer was born in Kamenice in 1759, and went on to hold several musical positions throughout Slovakia, Moravia and Austria. His popularity was comparable to that of Beethoven, yet his compositional style maintained a closer affinity with the simplicity and elegance characteristic of Mozart’s works. Although Krommer had no earlier experience with wind music, it was while holding his position of Musical Director with Count Károly’s regimental bands from 1787 to 1791 and later Anton Prince Grassalkovich de Gyarak’s band that he developed a keen sense of how to compose for wind. After this period, he returned to Vienna, thirsting for the city’s musical life. It is there that his reputation grew, resulting in him accepting the enviable role of Composer for the Imperial Court of Austria in 1818. Krommer was an exceptionally productive composer, with over 300 published works including symphonies, string quartets, and 13 wind ensemble pieces. The Clarinet Concerto No.1, Op.36 was to become one of the most important works in the development of the clarinet repertoire, bridging the gap between Mozart’s clarinet concerto and later Romantic works by composers such as Weber and Spohr. Cast in four symphonic-like movements, Octet – Partita in F major, Op.57 is an exquisite work that is both detailed and grand. Beautifully contoured melodic lines are contrasted with detailed articulation that radiates light, energy and direction.