Choral Music of Note

Joseph Marx's orchestrated songs aren't hurting for recordings, but what a find for choral music lovers.

The larger Herbstchor an Pan, plus three or four other choruses of moderate length, are the points of interest here. It also seems to be the portion of the recording which receives the most passionate renderings from the late Jiří Bělohlávek and company.

Not that the dozen or so orchestrated songs don't traverse a wide range of emotions, for they do. But, the orchestral flavors take a back seat to the soloist.

Speaking of the songs, they remind me an awful lot of Richard Strauss, Hugo Wolf, or Alexander von Zemlinsky. Christine Brewer is an American soprano I enjoy, and her larger-than-life voice is well met by this music.

 

A review from 2023

The little-known German composer Joseph Marx receives premieres of four large-scale symphonic choral works, set alongside 12 of his orchestrated songs, courtesy of Chandos and their luxury recording standards.

The nearly 20-minute Herbstchor an Pan is the big news here. A joyful, secular Ode to Pan, with the inclusion of organ and choir; it reminds me some of Benjamin Britten’s Spring Symphony, a touch of Orff’s Carmina Burana, and a hint of Ravel and Scriabin in its harmonies. The other three choral works are big, triumphant numbers aided in no small part by orchestra.

Marx’s orchestrated songs, each 2-3 minutes in length, are plush pillows of delight. If Pan held onto forward-looking hints of Scriabin in sound, the songs are of Korngold’s lush, Romantic world. Luckily, Christine Brewer is on hand, a longtime singstress of Richard Strauss and Wagner. Hers is a full voice, packed with expression; and if none of these ditties need deep introspection or epic import, Brewer regales us with strong portrayals nonetheless.

I feel Czech conductor Jiří Bělohlávek and the BBC players take back seat alongside Brewer, providing a lovely cushion of colour and atmosphere. In the choral works, passion is more readily on display from the orchestra and chorus, and Bělohlávek seems to delight in their discovery.

While the songs, plus more than what is here, have been recorded as a set before, on ASV  and reissued on Naxos, the choral numbers are not found anywhere else. That makes this Chandos recording a must for Marx fans. Fine singing from Christine Brewer makes this whole effort a wonderful recording. 

Listen on YouTube

Works
Pan's Autumn Chorus (18.45)
Barcarolle (7.01)
Gypsy (2.41)
The Humble Shepherd (2.10)
Bless'd Night (2.28)
Summer Song (2.01)
Mary's Song (2.36)
Hat dich die Liebe berührt (2.37)
Forest Pleasures (1.12)
Und gestern hat er mir Rosen gebracht (2.35)
Piemontesisches Volkslied (2.08)
Serenade (2.00)
May Blooms (1.58)
Morning Song (8.27)
Mountain Hymn (2.20)
A New Year Hymn (9.28)

Soloist
Christine Brewer, soprano

Ensembles
Apollo Voices
Trinity Boys Choir
BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Jiří Bělohlávek, conductor

Label: Chandos
Year: 2009
Total Timing: 71.33

If I wanted a set of Marx's vocal music, this would be the one.

For me, it is the choral music that seals the deal. For others, voice types and different selections might make more sense to meet tastes.

Find more Marx recordings HERE!