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Review by JJ February 14, 2008 (6 of 6 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (S/MC): / |
A major figure of German romanticism, Louis Spohr (1784-1859) is the author of ten symphonies, seventeen concertos for violin, four concertos for clarinet, a concerto for string quartet, ten operas, chamber music and lieder, to name a few. And, in the booklet accompanying the recording, Bert Hagels emphasizes: “There is no doubt that no other composer of instrumental music from the first half of the 19th century (excluding Beethoven, of course) has enjoyed as much attention and respect as Louis Spohr.” Yet today, the oblivion into which his symphonic production has fallen is a pity, as Spohr, in a brilliant and seductive style, has much to say. Thanks to the label CPO, we can at last, and in future months, rediscover this production which bewitches us already here on this first volume devoted to Symphonies N°3 and N°10. Symphony N°3 in C minor was completed in 1828 and reminds us of Mendelssohn. Symphony N°10 is the work of a 73-year-old composer who, for reasons unknown, rejected its performance, judging it unworthy. Yet, his four movements were never destroyed and form a score that is of more classical construction than romantic. Conductor Howard Griffiths launches this cycle with a communicative verve that his orchestra transmits with natural and brio. So, here is a must-hear rediscovery and first volume of an integral worth watching.
Jean-Jacques Millo
Translation Lawrence Schulman
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