- Audio CD (April 1 2001)
- SPARS Code: DDD
- Number of Discs: 2
- Label: EMI/Forte
- ASIN: B00000JQID
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #38,736 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product Details |
Track Listings
| Disc: 1 |
|---|
| 1. Sinfonie sinfulie're: I. Allegro fuocoso |
| 2. Sinfonie sinfulie're: II. Adagio |
| 3. Sinfonie sinfulie're: III. Finale (Presto) |
| 4. Sinfonie se'rieuse: I. Allegro con energia |
| 5. Sinfonie se'rieuse: II. Allegro maestoso |
| 6. Sinfonie se'rieuse: III. Stretto |
| 7. Sinfonie se'rieuse: IV. Finale (Adagio-Allegro molto) |
| 8. Elfenspiel |
| Disc: 2 |
| 1. Estralla de Soria - Tragic Overture |
| 2. Reminiscences from the Norwegian Mountains |
| 3. Racing |
| 4. Sinfonie capricieuse - I. Allegro |
| 5. Sinfonie capricieuse - II. Andante |
| 6. Sinfonie capricieuse - III. Finale (Allegro assai) |
| 7. Symphony in E flat - I. Allegro risoluto |
| 8. Symphony in E flat - II. Adagio |
| 9. Symphony in E flat - III. Scherzo (Allegro molto) |
| 10. Symphony in E flat - IV. Finale (Allegro vivace) |
Product Description
From Amazon.co.uk
Franz Berwald (1796-1868) remains arguably the greatest composer Sweden has yet produced, and his four hugely rewarding symphonies all date from the period 1842-5. The one indisputable masterpiece here is the Sinfonie singuli&ecaute;re. This has an absolutely magical opening and immediately sucks the listener into its astonishingly individual and prodigiously inventive sound-world. In the boldness of his harmonies and masterly transparency of his orchestration, Berwald has much in common with Berlioz, yet his music also looks forward to such Scandinavian masters of the symphony as Sibelius and Nielsen. This handy Double Forte release is a straightforward recoupling of two previous separate Matrix compilations. The ripely resonant Abbey Road recordings have been vividly remastered and are very well balanced. Some of the items were set down during the 1976 heat-wave, which might account for an occasional hint of lassitude about the orchestral response. On the whole, though, Ulf Björlin is a trusty guide, and the performances leave a healthy impression. Perhaps Neeme Järvi and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra on DG Masters are the more invigorating interpreters. However, their set contains just the four symphonies, whereas Björlin throws in four highly appealing extra items. Whatever, do try and hear one or the other. --Andrew Achenbach
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Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid performances of an underated composer, July 6 2000
By George N. Fabian - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Syms 1-4/Play O/T Elves/Racing (Audio CD)
Berwald was a complete original; you can't say that his music reminds you of any other composer:not Mozart, not Haydn, not Beethoven, nor any other classical composer. And yet his music is compelling and startlingly fresh. If you are unacquainted with him start with his masterpiece--the Sinfonie singuliere. And if his other Symphonies and orchestral works do not quite reach the exalted level of this masterwork they are nevertheless vital and extremely interesting works. Bjorlin and the Royal Philharmonic give fine performances and in this 2 CD set you get all four of his symphonies plus three other works.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
say YES to Berwald, Jun 9 2008
By Samuel Stephens "aka "Hector"" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Syms 1-4/Play O/T Elves/Racing (Audio CD)
Berwald's music will be a delightful discovery for those of you who enjoy orchestral music in the mould of the pre-Wagner era. If you pointed a gun at my head and forced me to say who Berwald resembles the most, I would offer that his music is a combination of Mendelssohnian clarity with a large dose (but restrained) of Berliozian fantasy.The four completed symphonies (there is an unfinished fifth in A major) are great additions to any orchestral music lover's collection. The first symphony titled "Singuliere," is indeed singular. The music floats, soars, and streams along with beautiful melodies and exciting-- if slightly conventional-- developments. This holds true for the other three symphonies as well. The music is unrestrained by sappy sentiments or ponderous wandering. The smaller pieces follow the symphonies in mould, though they aren't as thematically original. They are enjoyable enough though.
You can buy this two-CD set with the symphonies, and you would be good to go. I would recommend however, the re-release of these performances in EMI's 3-CD set, adding on a few smaller works and two concertos.
Ulf Bjorlin leads the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra throughout this great bargain set. Full credit to the conductor, orchestra, and soloists for wonderful and involved playing. You won't be disappointed by this music. And to boot, it's very affordable. Enjoy!
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