Cherubini follows the template of slow introduction followed by a faster main portion. Pretty typical of the time and this composer's French standing.
I can't say the composer is blessed by catchy tunes, for these really don't have them. His orchestral settings are pretty standard, with little to stand out.
Occasionally a texture will leap out, such as in The Portuguese Hotel, where there is an unexpected contrapuntal section, Medea is plenty moody, and the blandly titled Concert Overture exhibits some orchestral color which caught my ear.
Otherwise, Sir Neville and his Academy at St. Martin-in-the-Fields romp through these works merrily, with no remorse for their relative blandness. Of course, one person's trash heap is another's gold mine, so go at it if you like these late Classical Era overtures.
Works
Eliza: Overture (7.24)
Medea: Overture (7.53)
Portuguese Hotel (9.43)
Two Journeys: Overture (8.46)
Anacreon: Overture (8.34)
Faniska (7.16)
The Abencerages (6.13)
Concert Overture (10.27)
Performers
Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields
Neville Marriner, conductor
Label: EMI
Year: 1992
Total Timing: 67.21
Some will like these more than others. For me, the music is middling, with no particular hook, but I think the performers do it service enough.
But, I won't convince someone of the absolute quality of a composition, except to myself. Judge on your own...
Find more Cherubini recordings HERE!
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