Bernhard Scholz (1835-1916)
Another lost composer to discover!
I am constantly surprised and fascinated by the way excellent composers (and musicians) disappear, to be overshadowed by the ‘Greats’ and lost forever. One striking example of this is Bernhard Scholz, about whom I had not even heard until just a few years ago. An influential figure of the German music scene in the latter part of the nineteenth century, Scholz was a friend of the Schumanns, Brahms and Joachim among others.
He was particularly close to Brahms, something which is certainly apparent in his Piano Concerto Op. 57 that I recorded for Hyperion Records last month (with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Ben Gernon, for release in 2018). The work was premiered by Clara Wieck - no less - and she kept it in her repertoire for many subsequent performances. Its three movements are all undoubtedly influenced by Brahms but there is a unique voice, from the martial opening movement with its virtuosic filigree passages, through the glorious second movement which breathes a lyricism and depth of which any composer would be proud, to the folk-like, Hungarian finale with exciting dialogue and finally a return of the opening theme before the exhilarating coda.
What an amazing discovery, which I can’t wait to share with you all! I hope you enjoy the short video (made between sessions) as a taster.
