Wilhelm Fitzenhagen: A Journey Through His Fascinating Works
Experience the allure and magic of Wilhelm Fitzenhagen's musical expressions with his enchanted cello concertos. Hailed as one of the 19th century's most influential cellists and composers, Fitzenhagen mesmerizes audiences even today with his timeless and powerful compositions. His works are now receiving renewed interest, particularly through recordings such as Fitzenhagen: Cello Concertos (Hyperion Romantic Cello Concerto 7), performed by Alban Gerhardt with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin under Stefan Blunier.
Fitzenhagen's Extraordinary World
Venture into Fitzenhagen's extraordinary world as we showcase some of his most fascinating works on STAGE+. Witness the intricacies and passion in each note as it is masterfully brought to life. Immerse yourself in Fitzenhagen's musical dimensions, as we explore his life, accomplishments, and contributions to the world of classical music. Experience the depth and detail of his compositions as they permeate the air, touching your soul and invigorating your senses.
Highlights from the Hyperion Release
The featured album focuses on Fitzenhagen's two major cello concertos. The Cello Concerto No. 1 in B minor, Op. 2, written in 1870 and dedicated to Grand Duke Carl Alexander of Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach, showcases Fitzenhagen’s melodic inventiveness and virtuosic demands for the soloist. The concerto exemplifies his fluent, song-like style and advanced technical requirements, reflecting the standards of Romantic cello literature.
The Cello Concerto No. 2 in A minor, Op. 4 ("Fantastique") is a highly expressive example of Fitzenhagen’s melodic and poetic language. Despite the subtitle, this is not a programmatic work. The Maestoso opening introduces a motivating four-note idea that recurs throughout the movement, generating both the solo recitative and the primary theme. The central Andante is characterized by a lyrical, arching theme introduced by the soloist, and the finale revisits rhythmic and melodic ideas from earlier in the work before concluding with a triumphant A major finish.
Additional Fascinating Works
Beyond the concertos, Fitzenhagen composed a wide array of cello music. His artistry extended into editing and abridging Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, which remains a staple of the cello repertoire today.
STAGE+ Experience
Join us on a musical journey through Wilhelm Fitzenhagen's most fascinating works on STAGE+. Make a date for this unforgettable experience of musical genius and timeless artistry. Embrace the charm of Fitzenhagen's cello concertos and feel your heart pound to the rhythm of his music. Allow the extraordinary musicianship of Alban Gerhardt to mesmerize you through Fitzenhagen's cello concertos. Backed by the virtuosity of Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and the expert direction of Stefan Blunier, this performance promises a captivating journey through a remarkable collection from Hyperion Romantic Cello Concerto 7.