Syms [CD]

Franz Xaver Richter, along with Johann Stamitz, is regarded as one of the driving forces of the so-called Mannheim School and the renowned Court Orchestra that was founded thanks to Prince Elector Carl Theodor of the Palatinate. In contrast to his equally influential colleagues, he represented a more reserved type of composer, clearly rooted in Baroque music, which may have hindered his own career, but certainly did not damage the reputation of this epoch-making circle of musicians. Consequently, this portrait presents us with an astonishingly broad spectrum of musical expression. There is no shortage of contrapuntal composition, lively gallantries or examples of subtle genre pieces, which indulge in capricious playfulness with programmatic indications - ensuring an enjoyable listening experience.