In this case, it is Symphony no. 2 in C minor. This one is an interesting case for Sir Georg, for despite the C minor key, this is a rather lyrical and pastoral work. The composer seems less interested in stirring up minor-keyed dark images rather than evoking peace in major.
Yet, Solti paces the work well, ramps up the big moments with energy, and the front desk solos in Chicago are excellent. I could have used a goosing of the horn overall, which receives a subtle incorporation into Decca's orchestral sound.
As far as editions are concerned, I believe Solti takes very few of cuts recommended by Haas or Nowak, pretty much playing through the entire symphony, something not often found. Unfortunately, it is the clarinet which takes the final solo of the second Adagio movement, a shame with a fine Chicago horn sitting nearby. Solti doesn't much of a tempo change between the third movement Scherzo and the following Trio, although the musical textures are greatly differentiated.
If I have a problem with this crew in the Second Symphony, it is in the final movement. Here, I get a feeling of impatience, thus the movement comes off as rather perfunctory. Solti skips the many optional rests with fermatas, a choice which can be deleterious in a work subtitled 'Symphony of Pauses', and I think this aspect adds to a feeling of just getting it all over with in this performance.
But, the sound is good, and Chicago and Solti are always a great team for his vision. Luckily, Symphony no. 2 is not all thrills, and the Hungarian conductor can be quite fine in such settings if he so chooses, and he is here for the most part.
Work
Symphony 2 in C minor, WAB 102
I. Moderato (18.09)
II. Andante (16.47)
III. Scherzo (6.04)
IV. Finale (14.40)
Performers
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Sir Georg Solti, conductor
Label: Decca
Year: 1993
Total Timing: 55.50
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