Czech-born Paul Wranitzky, a contemporary of Mozart, was the most important symphonist in Vienna at the turn of the 18th century. To mark the ascension to the throne of Franz II in 1792, Wranitzky wrote the grand Symphony in C major, a work of regal quality and festive exuberance. Wranitzky’s mature symphonic style is on display in the Symphony in B flat major, with its expanded orchestral forces, contrasting textures and broad musical invention. Overtures from two operas offer a sampling of Wranitzky’s dramatic writing for the stage.

Back in 2004 Naxos released an oboe trio by Wranitzky coupled with Beethoven’s trio (8554550) – ‘accomplished and characterful’ (BBC Music Magazine). Beethoven’s 12 Variations in A major on a Russian Dance from Wranitzky and Kinsky’s Das Wäldmadchen, WoO 71 can also be found on 8572160, and was an American Record Guide ‘Critic’s Choice’.

Marek Štilec and the Czech Chamber Philharmonic are prominent in Naxos’s catalogue of Czech orchestral music. They have recorded admired discs of symphonies by Leopold Koželuch, as well as the music of Wranitzky’s contemporary Franz Ignaz Beck: ‘The playing is nicely nuanced, and even the slow movements have a forward-leaning flow’ (American Record Guide on Symphonies Op.4 nos. 4–6 & Op.3 no.5 – 8573249).

The conductor also recently released Zdeněk Fibich’s Symphony no.3 with the Janáček Philharmonic (8574120): ‘A superb release of masterful music’ (Fanfare).