Singular Symphony indeed

Only Berwald's Third Symphony, the nicknamed Singulière, seems to reach ahead of its time.

Otherwise, each of the composer's other symphonies seem to delightfully dwell in the realm of Mendelssohn and the more conservative of early Romantics.

Luckily today, there are many recorded cycles, and of the individual symphonies, to choose from to account for every taste.

I like these ones from Neeme Järvi with Gothenburg as a set. Those who have a problem with Järvi's brand of musicianship best steer away, but for the rest of us, this will do very well.

A review from 2022

Swedish composer Franz Berwald’s four symphonies are beautiful examples of the early Romantic Era. In the mid-1980’s, there weren’t too many cycles of Berwald’s symphonies, but Neeme Järvi with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra were forging ahead in the early CD era, and these remain fine recorded examples of his work. Surprisingly, these were reissued in the 90’s, but largely ignored.

Berwald’s symphonies seem strongly attached to the German, Romantic Era school. Each move ahead with skittering, frothy motion and Berwald doubles and highlights the winds most winsomely. To my ears, Mendelssohn and Schumann come to mind in Berwald’s symphonic style.

It is the 3rd Symphony, the Singulière, where Berwald seems ahead of his time. His harmonies really take some left turns and there are some wonderfully memorable moments throughout. The others are all quite charming, and in general it appears Berwald prefers a lightweight, driving scherzo feel throughout.

Neeme Järvi and his Gothenburg ensemble sound quite lovely for an 80’s recording. Järvi gives these works inner life, but rarely do they seem rushed or run-through, despite swift tempos. Instead, Gothenburg shapes everything with loving attention, but relish any drama that comes their way.

Since this set came out, there are many others to consider. Dausgaard and Ehrling to top the list, Kamu and Goodman, Bolton and Montgomery. The famous 3rd Symphony has had airings by Markevitch, and continues to be a reference performance.

Järvi isn’t as frantic as Goodman but not as broad as Bolton, and in general, I find Järvi’s performances of all four symphonies have a spirit and joy I don’t hear elsewhere. I like DG’s clear, sumptuous sound as well.

Listen on YouTube

Works
Symphony 1 in G minor 'Sérieuse' (30.25)
Symphony 2 in D Major 'Capricieuse' (27.45)
Symphony 3 in C Major 'Singulière' (27.21)
Symphony 4 in E-flat Major 'Naïve' (25.33)

Ensemble
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra
Neeme Järvi, conductor

Label: DG
Year: 1985
Total Timing: 1.51.04

 

 A favorite cycle of mine for Berwald's symphonies.

 There may be others, but Järvi gets it just about right, I think.

 Regardless, whether or not Järvi is for you, listen to the symphonies!

 

 

Find more Berwald recordings HERE!