COMPOSERS: Weill/Busoni/Schoenberg
LABELS: EMI Matrix
WORKS: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Berceuse élégiaque; Chamber Symphony No. 2
PERFORMER: BBC SO/Gary Bertini, New Philharmonia Orchestra/ Frederik Prausnitz
CATALOGUE NO: CDM 5 65869 2 ADD (1968)
Weill’s two numbered symphonies, written in 1921 and 1933, are very different works, one influenced by Busoni and Schoenberg, the other straight out of the world of his own The Seven Deadly Sins. There have been more engaging performances than these with the BBC SO and Bertini, but these are probably the best currently available. The Busoni receives a sumptuous reading from Prausnitz and the New Philharmonia and the same performers also bring warmth and devotion to the lesser-known of Schoenberg’s two chamber symphonies. The sound is a little harsh for the Weill, but more glowing for the other works. Matthew Rye
Weill/Busoni/Schoenberg
Weill’s two numbered symphonies, written in 1921 and 1933, are very different works, one influenced by Busoni and Schoenberg, the other straight out of the world of his own The Seven Deadly Sins. There have been more engaging performances than these with the BBC SO and Bertini, but these are probably the best currently available. The Busoni receives a sumptuous reading from Prausnitz and the New Philharmonia and the same performers also bring warmth and devotion to the lesser-known of Schoenberg’s two chamber symphonies.
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:39 pm