It is hard to believe that this music was written in the early 1790's. It is certainly more dramatic then most classical period music. It has more sudden changes in tempo and loudness. It has some real similarities with Antonio Cartellieri's symphonies, which were written several years later. In fact, I am beginning to wonder if Cartellieri got some ideas from this very music. Fascinating. It would take a music historian to really find out the answer to this question. Kraus certainly was an innovator in his time, and he took some pretty big steps toward the romantic period.
Brian Knapp is spot on as always! This dramatic score looks forward to the Beethoven of Ritter Ballet and Creatures of Prometheus in the early 19th Century.
