Interesting. Ernst
Wilhelm Wolf was Kapellmeister at Weimar
from 1772 to 1791, composing around
35 symphonies. Some are lost, but here
are four that represent Wolf's astonishingly
fertile imagination. Only the C major
is explicitly dated (1786).
On one level, the world
of the Wind Serenade is never too far
away, and Wolf's use of these instruments
makes this link specific. Yet Wolf can
attain levels of depth of expression
that seem to post-date his period; the
long Andante of the F major (lasting
10'34) is a case in point. There is
in fact an amazing variety in just this
hour's worth, which acts as an excellent
introduction to this composer. Two sets
of booklet notes, one providing context
for Wolf the man and one explicitly
on the Symphonies, only add to one's
enjoyment.
The first on the menu
is the E flat, a three-movement conception
of tight construction - particularly
the first movement. Yet Wolf simultaneously
maintains an air of the outdoor, of
the Divertimento, quite a balancing
act! The performance here, as elsewhere
on the disc, is eminently stylish, with
plenty of drama where appropriate. The
Mozartian serenade-like second movement
('Allegretto') leads to a more robust
finale.
The expressive sighs
of the F major's first movement are
most effective. More noteworthy still,
however, are the tempo juxtapositions
as the slow opening returns in the main
body of the argument; daring for the
time. The slow movement is perhaps more
expressive than one might expect. The
delicate use of a pair of flutes (around
8'50) is gorgeous. Interestingly, the
finale is lively but not particularly
jolly – undercurrents have clearly been
carried over form the long Andante.
A near-celebratory
C major for the opening movement of
the next symphony is clearly enjoyed
by the Weimar players. The recording,
too, helps with definition and, indeed,
its clarity and spaciousness lends real
meaning to the orchestra's departmental
exchanges. Woodwind pairings delight
again in the brief slow movement while
a pair of Menuettos - this is the only
work on the disc in four movements -
provide much joy. The finale includes
an element of opera buffo.
Finally, a D major
essay. Its brevity perhaps reflects
the jolly - no undercurrent this time
- initial Allegro, although the 1'35
Andante includes more depth than its
duration would seem to imply. The finale
is an exuberant way to close a delightful
disc. Recommended.
Colin Clarke
see also review
by Jonathan Woolf
Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, Weimar/Nicolás
Pasquet. 
