COMPOSERS: Enescu
LABELS: Ottavo
WORKS: Symphony No. 3 in C; Romanian Rhapsody No. 2 in D
PERFORMER: Philharmonia Moldova, Gavril Musicescu Choir/Alexandru Lascae
CATALOGUE NO: OTR C59344 DDD
The third of Enescu’s five symphonies is a moving and marvellously engaging work in the Richard Strauss/early-Schoenberg mould, full of Romantic languor (shades of Delius, even) and emotional punch. The orchestra and (wordless) chorus sound accomplished enough, though their efforts are frustrated by an unacceptable, boxy acoustic. This unjustly neglected music deserves something more like the Järvi/ Chandos treatment. Matthew Rye
Enescu: Symphony No. 3 in C; Romanian Rhapsody No. 2 in D
The third of Enescu’s five symphonies is a moving and marvellously engaging work in the Richard Strauss/early-Schoenberg mould, full of Romantic languor (shades of Delius, even) and emotional punch. The orchestra and (wordless) chorus sound accomplished enough, though their efforts are frustrated by an unacceptable, boxy acoustic. This unjustly neglected music deserves something more like the Järvi/ Chandos treatment. Matthew Rye
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:30 pm