During our search for the repertoire for this CD we came across the Sonatas for Violin and Viola by the Moravian composer Paul Wraniztky. Although his works are seldom performed, we were in awe at the complexity and beauty of his writings. We hope that this recording will shine a bright light on his oeuvre and help bring it back to the international stage. As this work features both instruments, it is exactly what we were looking for to lead off the CD.
The Moravian composer Paul Wraniztky (1756-1808) received his first music training in organ and violin at the Premonstratensian Monastery grammar school in his home town, Nova Rise. In 1776 he moved to Vienna, where he had a successful career as a conductor and composer. Although his works are seldom performed, he was a prolific composer and his chamber music oeuvre includes 45 string quartets, 12 string quintets, sextets, duos and trios.
The Sonata No. 1 is one of few works by Wranitzky that survives in autograph manuscript, which in this case is housed in the Austrian National Library in Vienna. The title page says “3 Sonate per Violino e Viola del Sigre P. Wranizkÿ” and is dated “[1]789 August”. According to a stamp in the manuscript it comes from the Hofburg Palace Library. However, had it been written expressly for someone in the Imperial family it would by all likelihood have a dedication, which it does not.