Philipp who? Philipp Wolfrum is a forgotten musical great from before the First World War. He was a musical jack-of-all-trades, active as a conductor, concert manager, teacher, composer and promoter of old and new music. Bach and Liszt were his greatest heroes. But he also conducted Strauss, Reger and Elgar. Like his friend and kindred spirit Humperdinck, he maintained contacts with the Wagner heirs
… in Bayreuth. Wolfrum's Christmas oratorio, Ein Weihnachtsmysterium (1899), is therefore strongly reminiscent of Wagner and Humperdinck. At times it resembles a symphonic potpourri of Lutheran Christmas carols. However, the centre (and original inspiration) is a lullaby for the Christmas child, in which Mary anticipates the Passion of Christ. It was bound to be a success, such a 'Gesamtkunstwerk' of familiar Christmas sentiments and musical innovations. And it was a success it was. After the war, however, Wolfrum's world soon fell into oblivion. Fortunately, this live performance can still introduce us to it. (HJ)more
