If I remember correctly, there was Mozart-iana, Chopin-iana, Offenbach-iana, to name a few. These were occasions where 20th-Century composers would orchestrate music of a previous era composer with a Romantic orchestral sensibility. Thus, the resultant potpourris contain the music of the earlier composer, but with a different sound to them.
Well, apparently Britten threw his hand into the mix as well with the music of Rossini. The two, five-movement suites, Soirées Musicales and Matinées Musicales, take Rossini's music and throws them into a large 20th-Century orchestra. I am especially taken with Britten's use of a glockenspiel in Soirées and celesta in Matinées, plus there are some added exoticisms in the latter, with castanets and such.
These two suites are colorful and offer a lot of fun typical of Rossini, but they are a-typical for those who know the music of Benjamin Britten. As I was listening, I was reminded of Edward Elgar's Wand of Youth Suites (BLOG), often precious and delightful in equal measure. The reference recording of both Musicales suites are from Richard Bonynge, although I don't think Gibson is in any way a slouch in this music comparatively.
Paired with the two Rossini suites is the Britten favorite Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge. The music combines the composer's ability with populous and modern settings, understandably making the work popular. Each variation represents an aspect of the personality of Britten's composition teacher Frank Bridge. It is a fun tribute, and we get a nice variety from Britten's clever variations.
Scottish conductor Sir Alexander Gibson makes good work of this music, using Britten own oft-used English Chamber Orchestra here. Gibson's is a grand vision, one of immense strings and large ensemble sounds, probably due to the recording location. This works better in the Rossini, although even here, I could imagine crisper sounding winds and brass.
There is no recording location listed on the physical media, however, I would suspect a cathedral location, as the acoustic is very resonant and watery. This aspect doesn't bother me per se, but I could imagine a drier landscape providing this music a better aural situation. So too, the 80s EMI sound is rather bright in the treble range, which can grate on the ears depending on how one listens to their audio recordings.
Works
Soirées Musicales (10.53)
Matinées Musicales (15.36)
Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, op. 10 (24.49)
Performers
English Chamber Orchestra
Sir Alexander Gibson, conductor
Label: EMI / CFP
Year: 1983 / 1992
Total Timing: 51.18
I came to this recording mainly to hear the two Rossini suites, but I have respect for Gibson and the work he did in Britain.
Suffice this is a successful venture, although the resonant acoustic may bother some, and the bright EMI sound can be much.
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