13/07/2026
New Recording of Boris Papandopulo’s Works Receives Outstanding Review in Germany
The latest release by the German record label cpo, dedicated to the works of one of Croatia’s greatest 20th-century composers, Boris Papandopulo (1906–1991), has received an exceptionally positive review from the renowned German classical music portal Klassik Heute. In his review, critic Martin Blaumeiser highlights the artistic value of Papandopulo’s music, the outstanding performances by the musicians, and the significance of this recording for the international promotion of Croatia’s musical heritage.
For the Music Information Centre (MIC) of the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, this release holds particular importance. Papandopulo’s Symphony No. 2 was recorded using the critical edition and orchestral performance materials prepared by MIC, once again confirming the importance of the Centre’s long-term publishing activities in preserving, researching, and promoting Croatian musical heritage on the international stage.
In addition, the booklet essay accompanying the CD, introducing both the composer and the works, was written by Davor Merkaš, Senior Editor at MIC. Through this contribution, MIC played a significant role not only in preparing the performance materials but also in providing the scholarly and documentary context for this valuable release.
The review places particular emphasis on Symphony No. 2, which Blaumeiser describes as "a magnificent work", praising its extraordinary orchestration, richly layered musical texture, and consistently sustained dramatic tension without a single moment of stagnation. He notes that, although the symphony retains certain formal characteristics inherited from the nineteenth century, Papandopulo achieves a highly individual symphonic language that transcends the conventions of Socialist Realism.
The performers receive equally enthusiastic praise. According to the reviewer, the Rijeka Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of young German conductor Valentin Egel, performs with exceptional commitment and passion, demonstrating remarkable sensitivity to orchestral colour and an organic musical flow that keeps the listener engaged from beginning to end. The woodwind soloists are singled out for special praise, as is the recording’s excellent sound engineering.
Papandopulo’s Vrzino kolo (The Witches’ Dance) for piano and orchestra (1970), featuring Croatian pianist Martina Filjak, also receives outstanding acclaim. Blaumeiser describes the composition as "a genuine hit," praising its originality, imaginative orchestration, and extraordinarily demanding yet brilliantly performed solo part. In his view, the work deserves a much stronger presence on international concert stages.
Concluding his review, Martin Blaumeiser states that this is probably the finest release in cpo’s series devoted to the music of Boris Papandopulo, giving it his unequivocal recommendation. Such recognition from one of Germany’s leading classical music publications represents an important affirmation not only of the artistic excellence of the performers and the enduring legacy of Boris Papandopulo, but also of the Music Information Centre’s many years of dedicated work in preparing authoritative editions of Croatian musical works.
Original review (in German):
https://www.klassik-heute.com/4daction/www_medien_einzeln/25472
Special recognition should be given to Burkhard Schmilgun, Artistic Director of the record label cpo, whose vision led to the recording and publication of Boris Papandopulo’s works, as well as the complete recorded editions of Dora Pejačević’s and Luka Sorkočević’s oeuvre, alongside works by many other Croatian composers.
