denny Schools Periods & Styles book

≈ Painting ≈ "Gondolier at Esclavons Quay" by Felix Ziem. ≈ History ≈ based on materials from Raff.org A compelling life story, brushes with famous contemporaries and a large catalogue of once popular works - it is a wonder that the figure of Joseph Joachim Raff (1822-82) is so obscure today. Born into poverty, the composer was not allotted a full formal musical formation, though even his first efforts, arising from self-education, were judged as worthy of publication by Mendelssohn. More important for Raff was, however, the connection to Franz Liszt whom the young musician met on 19 June 1845 during the former's concert in Basle. This chance meeting led to an extended period of cooperation which proved to be beneficial for both parties: along with the membership in the New German School, the maestro provided Raff with a slew of work opportunities, culminating in a 1849-56 position as his Weimar assistant, while the protégée, among numerous administrative duties, notably helped Liszt with the early drafts of some of the master's symphonic poems. Raff's breakthrough as an independent composer was his Symphony No. 1 "An das Vaterland" which won first prize in the 1863 Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde competition. Raff subsequently went on to become one of the most renowned musicians of the period. What speaks clearly of Raff's standing is his appointment in 1877 for a prestigious ten year term as Director of the Hoch Conservatory (Brahms being one of the candidates). All ...