David Moritz Michael: The Water Journey
Liner Notes   Cat. No. 80490     Release Date: 1996-01-01

Pacific Classical Winds

David Moritz Michael (1751-1827), contemporary of Haydn and Mozart, was a Moravian minister born and educated in Germany. He came to the United States in 1795 to teach and serve as music director in the Moravian communities in Nazareth and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He was also a fine composer whose two "Water Music" suites and 14 Parthias for woodwinds are considered his masterpieces.

Like its more famous counterpart, Handel's Water Music, Moritz Michael's Water Journey was written for a utilitarian purpose-to accompany the townfolk of Bethlehem as they strolled along the Lehigh River on their way to and from the Sunday community picnic. Musicians serenaded them from a boat that accompanied them down the river. The Water Journey is a divertimento in seventeen movements for six woodwinds (pairs of bassoons, clarinets, natural horns, and a solitary string bass) composed in a Classical style clearly reminiscent of Mozart's serenades and divertimenti.

Although written for outdoor entertainment, The Water Journey is music for the soul as well as the imagination. It is rich in poetic sentiment, spanning a broad variety of moods. The subtle and infinite variety of nature is portrayed through the interplay of instrumental textures and colors. The charming and brilliant Parthias 1 & 2 bring the program to a spirited conclusion.

The stylish, polished performances are on period instruments. This world premiere recording of a hitherto unknown gem is a major discovery for lovers of music of the Classical period or wind music in general!

Pacific Classical Winds

David Moritz Michael: The Water Journey

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Track Listing

The Water Journey: No. 1 March
David Moritz Michael
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The Water Journey: No. 2 Andantino
David Moritz Michael
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Water Journey: No. 3 Menuett
David Moritz Michael
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The Water Journey: No. 4 Allegro
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 5 Adagio
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 6 Presto
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 7 Echo: Allegretto
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 8 Menuett: Allegretto
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: Grave (Zusammenruf)
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 9 Vivace (Retour March)
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 10 Polonese
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 11 Rondo: Vivace
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 12 Adagio
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: Allegretto
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 13 Menuett: Allegretto
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 14 Andante/Allegro/Presto
David Moritz Michael
Buy
The Water Journey: No. 15 Finale: Choral-massig
David Moritz Michael
Buy
Parthia No. 1: Allegro
David Moritz Michael
Buy
Parthia No. 1: Andante
David Moritz Michael
Buy
Parthia No. 1: Presto
David Moritz Michael
Buy
Parthia No. 2: Allegro
David Moritz Michael
Buy
Parthia No. 2: Andante
David Moritz Michael
Buy
Parthia No. 2: Menuetto
David Moritz Michael
Buy
Parthia No. 2: Allegro -
David Moritz Michael
Buy
Parthia No. 2: Presto
David Moritz Michael
Buy