BENELUX and SWISS SYMPHONIES from the 19Th Century to the Present
BENELUX AND SWISS SYMPHONIES From the 19th Century to the Present A Discography of CDs And LPs Prepared by Michael Herman JEAN ABSIL (1893-1974) BELGIUM Born in Bonsecours, Hainaut. After organ studies in his home town, he attended classes at the Royal Music Conservatory of Brussels where his orchestration and composition teacher was Paul Gilson. He also took some private lessons from Florent Schmitt. In addition to composing, he had a distinguished academic career with posts at the Royal Music Conservatory of Brussels and at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel and as the long-time director of the Music Academy in Etterbeek that was renamed to honor him. He composed an enormous amount of music that encompasses all genres. His orchestral output is centered on his 5 Symphonies, the unrecorded ones are as follows: No. 1 in D minor, Op. 1 (1920), No. 3, Op. 57 (1943), No. 4, Op. 142 (1969) and No. 5, Op. 148 (1970). Among his other numerous orchestral works are 3 Piano Concertos, 2 Violin Concertos, Viola Concerto. "La mort de Tintagiles" and 7 Rhapsodies. Symphony No. 2, Op. 25 (1936) René Defossez/Belgian National Orchestra ( + Piano Concerto No. 1, Andante and Serenade in 5 Movements) CYPRÈS (MUSIQUE EN WALLONIE) CYP 3602 (1996) (original LP release: DECCA 173.290) (1958) RAFFAELE D'ALESSANDRO (1911-1959) SWITZERLAND Born in St. Gallen. After some early musical training, he studied in Paris under the tutelage of Marcel Dupré (organ), Paul Roës (piano) and Nadia Boulanger (counterpoint). He eventually gave up composing in order to earn a living as an organist.
[Show full text]