Franz Schmidt - Schmidt: Variations on a Hussar's Song, Fantasia & Chaconne (LP)

Immerse yourself in the rich, late-Romantic soundscapes of Austrian composer Franz Schmidt with this captivating album, released in 2016. The album showcases three substantial orchestral works, each offering a unique journey through Schmidt's evocative compositions. The centerpiece, "Variations on a Hussar's Song," is a dynamic and intricate exploration of a traditional theme, unfolding over 26 minutes of captivating music. Complementing this are the rarely heard "Fantasia for Piano and Orchestra in B-Flat Major," a lyrical and expressive piece from Schmidt's earlier years, and the monumental "Chaconne in D Minor," a sprawling, half-hour tour de force that showcases the composer's mastery of large-scale musical structures. Performed by the talented Jasminka Stancul on piano, the Rheinland-Pfalz Philharmonic Orchestra, and conducted by Alexander Rumpf, this recording brings Schmidt's music to life with vivid detail and emotional depth. Spanning a total of 73 minutes, this album is a treasure trove for chamber music enthusiasts and a testament to Franz Schmidt's enduring musical legacy.