Schubert and his Circle (2007)

Toccata Classics' Schubert and his Circle attempts to provide a contextual, documentary spin on Viennese master Franz Schubert. It is a fascinating and mysterious topic well deserving of discussion; the pitiable number of letters in Schubert's own hand reveal something of his personality, but never mentions his music-making. One certain way into Schubert is to examine his relationship with brothers Anselm and Josef Hüttenbrenner, who were his closest friends, confidantes, and, like Schubert, prolific composers. Pianist Todd ... Read More

Toccata Classics' Schubert and his Circle attempts to provide a contextual, documentary spin on Viennese master Franz Schubert. It is a fascinating and mysterious topic well deserving of discussion; the pitiable number of letters in Schubert's own hand reveal something of his personality, but never mentions his music-making. One certain way into Schubert is to examine his relationship with brothers Anselm and Josef Hüttenbrenner, who were his closest friends, confidantes, and, like Schubert, prolific composers. Pianist Todd Crow tastefully and respectfully delivers arch-Schubert editor Brian Newbould's edition of the notoriously unfinished "Reliquie" Sonata in C major D. 840; his 13 Variations on a Theme of Anselm Hüttenbrenner, D. 576; and the tiny Schubert Deutscher in C sharp minor, D. 643. In addition to these, we are treated to Anselm Hüttenbrenner's Piano Sonata in E major, Op. 16, and Josef Hüttenbrenner's Tanz der Furies, which appears on a music leaf opposite Schubert's manuscript of D. 643.... Read Less