Karl von Ordonez: Symphonies (2006)

Under normal circumstances, music composed by members of the nobility is of historical, but not great musical interest. Take for example the professionally crafted, yet emotionally distanced, instrumental music of Frederick the Great or the lusty pop songs attributed to Henry VIII. Even if you don't "have Prince Albert in a can," you might think he belongs in one once you hear his utterly unremarkable German lieder and part songs. On the other hand, some persons of noble rank belonging to lower rungs of the social ladder ... Read More

Under normal circumstances, music composed by members of the nobility is of historical, but not great musical interest. Take for example the professionally crafted, yet emotionally distanced, instrumental music of Frederick the Great or the lusty pop songs attributed to Henry VIII. Even if you don't "have Prince Albert in a can," you might think he belongs in one once you hear his utterly unremarkable German lieder and part songs. On the other hand, some persons of noble rank belonging to lower rungs of the social ladder did create music of considerable value. Count Unico-Wilhelm van Wassenaer, who hid his work under the names of other composers, created the Concerti Armonici, which remain among the best-loved concertos belonging to the late Baroque despite that they really aren't by "Pergolesi." Karl von Ordonez was born into the Viennese aristocracy, and if he hadn't been a musician, chances are excellent he would have vanished from history without a trace. Ordonez worked as an attorney in the... Read Less