Volume 2 improves

 

I had trouble finding what I didn't care for in Volume 1.

It ended up being a lack of vibrato in the strings. There is still the same style of playing from the Bologna players here, so what is the difference?

The Decca sonics are much warmer. In volume 1, there was a strident, edgy quality, particularly in the higher range of the violins, but I don't hear that here.

Volume 2 continues the youthful Sonatas for Strings from a 12-year old Rossini, here with Nos. 2, 4, & 5 in their string orchestra garb. The number of players leaps from an original four, written for two violins, cello, and double bass, to 17 strings. It is a thicker, warmer sound, whereas the original is of a decidedly chamber-sized scope.

The best part of these early, rather simple, Classical Era-sounding pieces, is how Rossini adeptly circles around to spotlight each of the sections, including the oft-ignored double bass. Otherwise, these are pleasant diversions, showing the musical sproutings of an early Rossini at the compositional quill.

It should be noted that Chailly takes every exposition repeat in the Sonatas, so if you are comparing with other recordings, the timings will look different.

Again, we are treated to some rare sinfonias for orchestra with winds. These are lovely works, where I typically have heard them paired with Rossini's overtures. Here amongst youthful works, they provided a welcome contrast to the Mozart-ian-styled String Sonatas.

Truth be told, for a set of Rossini's Sonatas for Strings, I would point to Neville Marriner on Praga, where they fit all six on one CD. I do enjoy the extras on both volumes from Chailly, but for the main entree, that is probably the best place to hear the string orchestra versions.

Listen on YouTube

Works
String Sonata 2 in A Major (15.44)
String Sonata 4 in  B-flat Major (17.17)
String Sonata 5 in E-flat Major (17.28)
Grand Overture 'Double Bass' (7.51)
Sinfonia 'di Conventello' (3.51)
Sinfonia 'di Bologna' (5.08)

Performers
Bologna Community Theatre Philharmonic
Riccardo Chailly, conductor

Label: Decca
Year: 1994
Total Timing: 67.17

An improvement on the first volume.

Yet, I think for a complete set of String Sonatas from Rossini, in their string orchestra form at least, I would go to Marriner on Praga.

Find more Rossini recordings HERE!