Dvorak: Serenade in E, Op. 22; Serenade in D minor, Op. 44

The St Paul CO here provides warm and relaxed readings of these genial serenades, with beautifully executed ensemble playing and articulation from the strings. The opening Moderato and the Valse are especially elegant and romantic, and the scampering, whirling Scherzo is nicely sprung and incisive. However, on the whole, Wolff is a shade too careful; a little more zest would not have gone amiss. Some may prefer Marriner’s more light-hearted, spontaneous approach on Philips. There is a little more vivacity, though, in the less well-known but delightful Wind Serenade.

Our rating

4

Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:13 pm

COMPOSERS: Dvorak
LABELS: Teldec M-line
WORKS: Serenade in E, Op. 22; Serenade in D minor, Op. 44
PERFORMER: St Paul CO/Hugh Wolff
CATALOGUE NO: 4509-97446-2 DDD (1991)

The St Paul CO here provides warm and relaxed readings of these genial serenades, with beautifully executed ensemble playing and articulation from the strings. The opening Moderato and the Valse are especially elegant and romantic, and the scampering, whirling Scherzo is nicely sprung and incisive. However, on the whole, Wolff is a shade too careful; a little more zest would not have gone amiss. Some may prefer Marriner’s more light-hearted, spontaneous approach on Philips. There is a little more vivacity, though, in the less well-known but delightful Wind Serenade. Sound is first class; clear, bright and warm. Ian Lace

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