Wilhelm Taubert

Artist: Wilhelm Taubert

Title: Taubert & Rosenhain: Piano Concertos (Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto 51)

Performers: Howard Shelley, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

Explore the stunning compositions of Wilhelm Taubert, one of the 19th-century's dynamic composers, brought to life by Howard Shelley and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in the album Taubert & Rosenhain: Piano Concertos. This musical masterpiece is a part of Hyperion's Romantic Piano Concerto series, serving as the 51st installment. Ensuring a blend of intricate melodies and rich harmonies, the concertos provide an immersive auditory experience that captivates the essence of romantic-era music. This captivating rendition by Howard Shelley truly exemplifies Taubert’s ingenious composition skills, giving his works a new and enchanting dimension. Available now on Stage+, delve into a captivating musical journey with Wilhelm Taubert’s enthralling compositions.

Overview of Wilhelm Taubert

Wilhelm Taubert (1811–1891) was a prominent German conductor, composer, and pianist, whose career was centered in Berlin. Early in his life, Taubert studied composition under Bernhard Klein and piano under Ludwig Berger. By his twenties, he had already established himself as an accomplished musician, serving as conductor of the Berlin Hofkonzerte and later as Generalmusikdirektor of the Royal Opera in Berlin from 1845 to 1848, and court Kapellmeister from 1845 to 1869. He continued conducting the court orchestra until 1883.

Taubert was an advocate for the Viennese Classical tradition in a musically conservative Berlin, ensuring the works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven were performed in the city. He was also a significant figure in music education, teaching at the Arts Academy from 1865 and eventually becoming the president of the musical section of the Academy of Arts from 1882, a rare honor for a musician at the time.

Taubert’s Compositional Output

Taubert was a versatile composer, writing across many genres. His work includes piano concertos, Lieder and short piano pieces, chamber music, piano sonatas, large orchestral works, operas, works for the stage and incidental music, and songs popularized by noted singers such as Jenny Lind.

Reception and Legacy

While Mendelssohn, a contemporary, critiqued Taubert for lacking “impetus and spirit” in large works, Taubert’s elegant style was particularly well-suited to lyrical and accessible forms. His piano works, especially the Minnelieder and others, have been favorably compared with Mendelssohn’s Lieder ohne Worte.