Enescu: Symphonies

 

As far as the symphonies of Romanian composer George Enescu are concerned, I just don't think these works are for me. I am no lover of Late-Romanticism, and these are prime examples of the genre. Enescu's musical ideas float endlessly across 20-minute movements, only to wrap up at around an hour. Length is not the only issue, however, as I can often get behind the symphonies of Mahler and Bruckner with little problem.

Instead, Enescu simply has too much going on all of the time, sometimes imperceptibly so by the listener. His thematic devices aren't strong enough for me to sustain their length, and the journey across his long movements don't carry me anywhere satisfying.

Some of this could be due to Soviet conductor Gennady Rozhdestvensky, who is in no hurry with this music. Many might point out a slower tempo can afford the music to provide more musical details, but the washy acoustic and engineering from Chandos nix any thought of detail in preference to acoustical resonance akin to a Turkish Bath.

Not all is lost, as I can especially appreciate Symphony nos. 1 and 3 from this set, whose structures find Enescu on a firmer musical footing. The addition of a non-lexical chorus in the Third Symphony mixes in an unusual, yet epic color as well. Symphony no. 2 is just too doggone meandering for any joy to reach these ears.

In addition to the three symphonies, the program contains Enescu's two well-liked Romanian Rhapsodies and his Third Orchestra Suite 'Villageoise'. These bear more folk-influenced marks, making them much easier to love compared to the larger symphonies. Their shorter runtimes make the composer get to the point as well, and he does so with fine melodies and orchestral color. Unfortunately, Rozhdestvensky's propensity for slow tempos and Chandos' blowsy sonics keep even these shorter orchestral miniatures from reaching any sort of rhythmic snap.

 

 

Performers
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Gennady Rozhdestvensky, conductor

Label: Chandos
Year: 1996-98; 2017
Total Timing: 3.25.45

 

 

I find no pleasure when the Kraken comes out to sink a recording.

First of all, I enjoy some of this music, but I find I am never wholly satisfied with any of these works.

I also think this music could do with a tighter rein on the flow of the music, both from the podium and inside the engineering booth.

I would say, if you are wanting to explore the symphonies of George Enescu, go somewhere else. A rare Chandos misfire.

 

 

Find more Enescu recordings HERE!