Excuse me while I whip this out

Leó Weiner may not be a household name, but his Hungarian exotic flavors couldn't be more attractive.

The two early Divertimenti are light, perky works for string orchestra, although there is a strange movement in the second which interestingly uses brass soloists. There is some folk-like repetition which reminds me of Dvořák, with the sound-world of Kodály.

The final three Divertimenti, particularly the third, are more diverse in their harmonies and orchestral settings. The Serenade is Weiner's orchestral masterpiece, although it too is light and jaunty. All of the above have wonderful tunes.

I have only heard the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra through recordings from Neeme Järvi's son, Paavo Järvi, although I see they have appeared on a few more Chandos releases. I was impressed with their quality, and Chandos gives them a deep plush quality, and gives us 83 minutes of music!

 

A review from 2024

Hungarian composer Leó Weiner’s music should appeal to anyone who enjoys the orchestral music of Zoltán Kodály, a contemporary and fellow countryman of Weiner. Suffice to say, there is a strong waft of the exotic about this music, placing Weiner firmly in the musical Nationalist camp.

Weiner’s Divertimento 1 & 2 are much different than the rest. Written for string orchestra, although one movement indelibly utilizes brass soloists, there is some repetitive folksiness prevalent, ala Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances, and they're just as tune-laden. These are perky and fun, however, and the opportunities of light string textures are enjoyable.

Divertimento 3-5 are for full orchestra, and colourful works they are. They have a bit more range of mood and I dare say Weiner is a little more varied with the harmonies and moods, providing a nice variety from the first two of the set.

The Serenade is Weiner’s masterpiece, and like the others, is a perky, colourful work. Most appreciably, the Estonian NSO is a plush-sounding ensemble, giving all of Weiner’s works a firmly Romantic quality. Neeme Järvi seems to relish these rare orchestral works, but there is more love here than I am used to from him. It is not all splash and effect, although that is present as well.

Really a terrific set from the much ignored Weiner. This is not terribly complex or difficult music, but it is greatly entertaining and awfully tuneful. 

Listen on YouTube

 

Works
Serenade in F minor (19.03)
Divertimento 1 in D Major (10.37)
Divertimento 2 in A minor (14.51)
Divertimento 3 in A Major (13.32)
Divertimento 4 in G Major (9.45)
Divertimento 5 (14.44)

Ensemble
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra
Neeme Järvi, conductor

Label: Chandos
Year: 2017
Total Timing: 83.05

This is orchestral light music of the best kind!

I you like Dvořák's Slavonic Dances, these could very well be right up your alley. 

 

 

 

 

Find more Weiner recordings HERE!