Heinrich Sutermeister (1910-95) belongs to the generation of Swiss composers after Bloch, Honegger, Martin and Schoeck. The runaway success of his operatic version of Romeo and Juliet - in the 1950s it was the most widely produced modern opera after Der Rosenkavalier - soon spread his reputation far afield, and conductors as prominent as BÃ¶hm, Karajan and Sawallisch championed his works. Although his star has waned in the quarter-century since his death, the four orchestral works recorded here - ranging from the dramatic suite he drew from that first Shakespearean operatic success via the easy-going charm of two lighter suites to his deeply felt response to the Swiss landscape - bring a salutary reminder of why his music appeals so directly to it's audiences. This generously filled recording (it's over 87 minutes in length) is the first in a project where Rainer Held will be recording unknown Swiss orchestral repertoire for release on Toccata Classics.

Tracklist:

Romeo And Juliet Suite: I. Fanfares Summon The Guests To A Feast At The Capulets. Presto Vivace
Romeo And Juliet Suite: II. Music Of The Feast. Più Mosso
Romeo And Juliet Suite: III. Juliet Dances With Paris. Andante Con Grazia
Romeo And Juliet Suite: IV. Climax Of The Masked Ball. Allegro Molto
Romeo And Juliet Suite: V. Sarabande. Andante Molto Sostenuto
Romeo And Juliet Suite: VI. Fairy Mab. Presto Grazioso
Romeo And Juliet Suite: VII. Finale. Adagio
Die Alpen (Fantasy On Swiss Folksongs): I. O Du Verklärte Welt Von Bergen, Felsen, Seen
Die Alpen (Fantasy On Swiss Folksongs): II. Dort Senkt Ein Kahler Berg
Die Alpen (Fantasy On Swiss Folksongs): III. Ein Junger Schäfer Stimmt Indessen Seine Leier
Die Alpen (Fantasy On Swiss Folksongs): IV. Der Blumen Zarten Schnee
Die Alpen (Fantasy On Swiss Folksongs): V. Wenn Durch Die Schwüle Luft
Die Alpen (Fantasy On Swiss Folksongs): VI. Seht, Hier, Wo Gotthards Haupt Die Wolken Übersteigert
Aubade Pour Morges: I. Le Château. Moderato Festivo
Aubade Pour Morges: II. Au Parc. Andante Espressivo
Aubade Pour Morges: III. Les Vendanges. Vivo
Aubade Pour Morges: IV. Clair De Lune Sur Le Lac. Molto Lento
Aubade Pour Morges: V. Le Port. Vivo
Divertimento No. 2: I. Mosso, Grazioso
Divertimento No. 2: II. Adagio Espressivo
Divertimento No. 2: III. Vivo, Con Spirito
Divertimento No. 2: IV. Prestissimo

UPC: 5060113444202
Label: Toccata
Release Date: 5.3.19
Format: CD

Sutermeister / Cathomas / Held - Orchestral Works 1 (CD)