Ericsson

Czech composer Josef Rejcha (1752-95) was strongly influenced by the so-called "Mannheim School" composers, and he in turn left his mark on his own pupils, among them one Ludwig van Beethoven. Rejcha was particularly interested in the sonic qualities of string instruments and was quite enamored of the cello, as evidenced by the three concertos before us. All are excellent works, featuring captivating solo writing, fresh melodic invention, and colorful orchestral accompaniment.

It may be news to many readers that these composers wrote organ music at all, and in the case of Dvorak he virtually didn't, for these are composition exercises from his student days which remained in the archives of Prague Conservatoire until they were found and edited by Jarmil Burghauser in 1980. Some of the world's most boring music has been written as before-service preludes and Dvorak's student exercises are more engaging than many a more professional job, but it would be unwise to read more into them than that. Occasionally Mr. Ericsson seems to be trying too hard, but generally he leaves their homely charm to speak for itself.

The powerful sound of this magnificent organ is indeed an imposing one. In this virtuoso programme, Hans Ola Ericsson continues to confirm his reputation as a fearsome exponent of such wonderfully sonorous instruments whilst unearthing a few rarities that have lain undiscovered for centuries. An interesting leitmotif on this disc is the contribution of the Duben family with no less than three members producing works of excellent construction and fine melodic content. Indeed, Andreas Duben's magisterial 'Praeludium Pedaliter' continues to confirm the shameful neglect of such a talented composer. There is also an effective Suite by Gustav Duben and short works by Martin Duben.

Hans-Ola Ericsson was born in Stockholm in 1958. He is a renowned organist with hundreds of recitals and concerts behind him, as well as an esteemed pedagogue at several institutions and a bold composer of contemporary music.
Known for his renditions of music as diverse as Olivier Messiaen and John Cage, his interpretory range stretches between György Ligety and the ubiquitous Johann Sebastian Bach as well as many more. Among the crown jewels of the repertoire is the collected works of Messiaen and a recently finished series of Bach in chamber and organ settings.