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Esquivel: Missa Hortus conclusus, Magnificat & Motets

Esquivel: Missa Hortus conclusus, Magnificat & Motets

De Profundis, Eamonn Dougan

Duration70 Min

Album insights

Ferdinand Hiller possessed numerous talents and emerged as a prominent musical figure during the 19th century. Born in Frankfurt/Main on October 24, 1811, to affluent Jewish parents, Hiller's upbringing exposed him to a thriving cultural environment, fostering his musical abilities at an early age.

Beginning as a musical prodigy, Hiller's career evolved into that of a celebrated pianist, composer, conductor, music writer, and organizer. His Parisian sojourn from October 1828 proved pivotal, introducing him to renowned musicians like Cherubini, Meyerbeer, Rossini, and Liszt. His move to Frankfurt in late April 1836 marked a shift; directing the Cäcilienverein followed by five years in Italy, where his oratorio found success in Leipzig.

Hiller's legacy resonates through a prolific oeuvre of 200 opus numbers, nurturing notable students like Max Bruch, Friedrich Gernsheim, and Engelbert Humperdinck. While he viewed himself primarily as a composer, his pianistic prowess and commitment to classical greats showcased his musical depth and versatility. His Parisian years birthed the Concerto pour le piano forte avec accompagnement d’Orchestre, showcasing his skillful composition and brilliant piano techniques in a vibrant debut at the Conservatoire in 1831.

In his later years, Hiller composed his final piano concertos, Op. 69 and Op. 170, demonstrating a departure from his earlier virtuosic style towards intricate interactions between piano and orchestra. The creations reflected Hiller's unwavering dedication to musical expression and an original approach to the concerto format.

Though his compositions may not have fulfilled all expectations placed upon him, Ferdinand Hiller's work stands as a valuable and noteworthy contribution to 19th-century piano concerto literature, embodying ambitious craftsmanship and artistic integrity throughout.