Joseph Lauber ( 1864 – 1952) – a Swiss late Romantic rediscovery – Symphonies no. 1 & 2

-a world premiere recording -

November 30 2020

Hidden in an archive of the Library of the University in Lausanne, the astonishing six symphonies by Joseph Lauber represent a little sensation for Swiss Music History. Thanks to Swiss conductor Kaspar Zehnder this treasure has been rescued from oblivion; under his direction, the Sinfonie Orchester Biel Solothurn recorded the first two symphonies of this enigmatic pianist, organist, teacher and composer last June-  in spite of Corona restrictions . Frédéric Angleraux/ADCSound was responsible for the artistic direction during the recording sessions in the Diaconis Church in Berne. We wonder if everybody will appreciate as much as ourselves the smooth bridge building craft between German meaningfulness and French perfume of Joseph Lauber who was born near Lucerne and brought up in the French part of Switzerland.

Excerpts

1 - Lauber 1. Sinfonie I. Andante- Allegro

Joseph Lauber - 1. Sinfonie Es-Dur

2 - Lauber 1. Sinfonie II. Andante espressivo

Joseph Lauber - 1. Sinfonie Es-Dur

3 - Lauber 1. Sinfonie III. Scherzo. Allegro

Joseph Lauber - 1. Sinfonie Es-Dur

4 - 1. Sinfonie IV. Introduzione maestoso - Allegro non troppo

Joseph Lauber - 1. Sinfonie Es-Dur

5 - Lauber 2. Sinfonie I. Adagio- allegro moderato

Joseph Lauber - 2. Sinfonie a-moll

6 - Lauber 2. Sinfonie II. Andantino, quasi allegretto

Joseph Lauber - 2. Sinfonie a-moll

7 - Lauber 2. Sinfonie III. Scherzo.Presto

Joseph Lauber - 2. Sinfonie a-moll

8 - Lauber 2. Sinfonie IV. Allegro vivo

Joseph Lauber - 2. Sinfonie a-moll

Pictures