Karl Weigl: Toteninsel (Isle of the Dead)

Karl Weigl was part of the rich cultural life of Vienna at the turn of the last century. One of his earliest works, Isle of the Dead was inspired by Böcklin’s famous symbolic painting and here receives its first known performance.

Nachtphantasien (Night Fantasies) relates to the two Nachtmusik movements of Mahler’s Symphony No. 7. Folklike but deceptively demanding, the Pictures and Tales were popular in their day, while Dance of the Furies was overlooked by the composer and not publicly performed until 1970. Weigl’s career was cut short by Hitler’s rise to power. Written in exile in the United States, the reflective Six Fantasies was his last piano cycle.

Grammy® nominated American pianist Joseph Banowetz has been heard as recitalist and orchestral soloist on five continents. His over thirty recordings contain a significant number of world-première discs, including first recordings of Anton Rubinstein solo piano works, all eight of Rubinstein’s piano and orchestra works, and compositions of Mily Balakirev, Leopold Godowsky and Paul Kletzki.