Enescu: Orchestral Bits 'n Bobs

 

Study Symphony 1 in D minor

George Enescu's four Study Symphonies are works written while the composer was still in training, either in Austria or in France. Dated at 1895, the composition marks Enescu's first year at the Paris Conservatory, with such luminous composition teachers as Jules Massenet and Gabriel Fauré.

But perhaps the First 'Study' Symphony in D minor was gestating before 1895, for there is a strongly Teutonic, Eastern-European musical pull across its four movements. The outer movements are aggressive, with heavy portent present in the brass and Romantic weight in the strings. A pompous march inhabits the second movement, although its very long timing gives way to a host of contrasting musical ideas, while the third-movement Scherzo is almost tossed as a makeweight.

Those who know the composer from his later symphonies might be surprised at the Classical structures and the clarity of the harmonies, as if Enescu was taking in the influence of Brahms. I hear a subtle exotic streak too, one which reminded me of Rimsky-Korsakov, but could just as easily be a synthesis of his Romanian home. At nearly 40 minutes in length, Enescu still doesn't know when to stop, a feature from the composer as a symphonist in general.

Surprisingly though, I really enjoyed this one, aided in part by the Romanian National Radio Orchestra led by Horia Andreescu. The ensemble is quite put together for an old Olympia recording; and if the brass are rough and punchy, this aspect only adds to the epic D-minor setting from Enescu.

Orchestral Suite 1 in C Major

By the time the Orchestral Suite no. 1 of 1903 arrives, Enescu has found a French-sounding musical voice, perhaps explaining the dedication to Camille Saint-Saëns. Akin to that much older composer, this suite bears movement titles intimating older musical forms, another unusual aspect after hearing the later works of Enescu.

Curious is the first movement 'Prélude à l'unisson', where the violins, violas, and cellos play in unison for nearly eight minutes. In the last third, a timpani enters on a G-pedal, and the unison aspect is decorated with a few quadruple stops, each providing an aspect of harmony. This is a unique concept, but goes on for much too long, where even the exotic decorations don't save the music from feeling too tired.

The very long 'Menuet Lent' quickly throws away the Baroque dance aspect to venture on to surprising orchestral heroics, lush Strauss-ian divided strings, and very French-hued borrowed harmonies. Again, the music goes on for much too long, and I wish the horns soared more in the sonic make-up of this recording.

The final two movements are less singularly characterful compared to the first two, but Enescu remains appealing throughout the work.

Lawrence Foster did a great service to Romanian composer George Enescu on record. While the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra was not a major orchestral outfit, they presented so much of his music to the public. I wonder how Cristian Mandeal and Iosef Contra compare, for Foster's reading is sophisticated in music which can handle being a little more rough and ready.

Regardless, I am finally glad to hear appealing orchestral music from Enescu after being largely disappointed with the composer's later style.

Bits 'n Bobs

Study Symphony 1 in D minor
  Romanian National Radio Orchestra
  Horia Andreescu, conductor
  Olympia; 1995

Orchestral Suite 1 in C Major, op. 9
  Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
  Lawrence Foster, conductor
  Erato; 1984

Find more Enescu recordings HERE!