There are many composers known for only a single work
but very few who published only a single work; Julius Reubke and Wassenaer
are the ones who come to mind. While composers’ works were often ascribed
wrongly due to carelessness or greed on the part of the publisher, Unico
Wassenaer is unique in that he deliberately deceived people to avoid
the credit for his creation. His standards were so high that he thought
his works unworthy - but he was wrong, his works rank with the very
best.
Prompted by the notes to Stravinsky’s Pulcinella,
many years ago I searched out these marvellous works first on an EMI
monophonic set where they were confidently ascribed to Pergolesi. A
stereo LP version ascribed them to Riccotti, then finally on a Decca
stereo CD with Neville Marriner and the ASMF the name Wassenaer first
appears as composer, albeit cautiously ("attr. Pergolesi").
The first recording was with string orchestra and presented
the works with a rich romantic emotionalism. The ASMF was, as always,
luscious and playful. This new recording is original-instrument/original-performance-practice-informed
(The press should soon start calling that "OI/OPPI") but exhibits
none of the scrappiness, pertness, exaggerated accents or absurdly fast
tempi that this sometimes implies. Continuo parts are distributed among
harpsichord, organ, guitar and lute.
All of these varied performances presented valid facets
of these exceptional works which are reminiscent of Corelli, but much
more conventionally melodic, more graceful, and more adventuresome in
tone colour. The works are in three and four movement concerto grosso
form, with slow openings in the manner of sonate di chiesa. This
is beautiful music skilfully and affectingly played and as with all
the recordings makes one wonder what else he could have written, but,
apparently, nothing. Wassenaer was an "amateur" in the best
tradition, he put his life and his talent into this music, and this
is all there is.
Every collector who loves baroque music will want this
disc.
Paul Shoemaker
Aradia Ensemble, Kevin Mallon,
leader