RICHARD WETZ:
Symphony No. 2 op. 47
Staatsphilharmonie
Rheinland-Pfalz Werner Andreas Albert.
CPO 999 695-2
59m
DDD.
Crotchet
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I was unaware of Richard Wetz's existence before hearing this disc but was
quite bowled over by the constant melodic and heroic undercurrents that run
through his boldly personal music. The Second Symphony is a very beautiful
work that deserves resurrection . It is far removed from the advanced harmonies
of Strauss but one never loses interest although the three movement structure
means that two of the movements can tend to be slightly overlong. I detected
traces of Raff and Liszt in the opening Massig bewegt that is also
reminiscent of Bruckner at times although the central development is wonderfully
advanced in its intensity. The Finale is also highly inventive with many
rambling melodies and a sprightly and heroic coda concluding proceedings
in a most satisfying manner.
The accompanying 'Kleist' Overture is also a decidedly involving work with
romantic associations very much in evidence.
We are now used to Werner Andreas Albert unearthing rare German music and
his interpretations of these works are second to none with the orchestra
playing peerlessly. Involving notes make up the colourful booklet, which
also sports a fine reproduction of a Dahl painting. CPO's recording is richly
resonant and very clear with an expansive sound picture of the whole orchestra
very much in evidence. Another major discovery from this highly enterprising
German label.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
