Credits:

Howard Griffiths

Description:

Pavel (German: Paul) Vranitsky, a native of Moravia, moved to Vienna in 1776. There, while cultivating close relationships with Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, he became one of the most important symphony composers in Vienna during the latter half of the 18th century. Although he enjoyed the favor of Maria Theresa, Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, and gained fame through blockbuster operas and numerous symphonies, he died suddenly in his later years amid financial hardship due to conflicts with theater managers. He left behind at least 47 symphonies (45 of which survive); Nos. 13 of Opus 35, published in 1800, are believed to have been written at different times and, while modeled after Haydn, display their own refined style. Each symphony is a delight to listen to: No. 1, which unfolds dynamically from a solemn introduction; No. 2, characterized by its opening dotted rhythms; and No. 3, who