Enescu: Violin Concerto & Piano Phantasy

 

As far as I can tell, CPO teamed up with Peter Ruzicka and a trio of German orchestras in the 2010s to present Romanian composer George Enescu's unfinished orchestral works, plus a few extras as pairings. Apparently, no effort was ever given to record Enescu's symphonies proper, an unfortunate choice, as Peter Ruzicka is sympathetic to the composer's virtues, presenting them all in a most positive light.

Of course, the works are mostly student compositions, hardly ever viewing the mature composer at any point. This is fine by me, for Enescu's orchestral music become dense and complicated, and not in a good way as far as I am concerned.

Here again, we have two unfinished or discarded works from the young composer, ones which bear  influences from the likes of Beethoven and Brahms. In the two-movement Violin Concerto, I hear more of Beethoven, with the incessant timpani and the march-like second movement which interrupts the normally slowing songfulness. If I find the solo violinist a little wiry sounding, I think it is the virtuosic octaves and double stops Enescu writes which makes me feel this way, more than the performer herself.

The Phantasy for Piano and Orchestra is more characterful than the Violin Concerto. There is a recurring mischievous element which I absolutely delight in every time the musical idea returns. Furthermore, the harmonic motion goes further afield than the earlier concerto as well, often quirkily so. One can hear a few years advanced between the two pieces, even if they are both from an early time in Enescu's career. By the end, the pianist is in full Rachmaninov mode, making for a flashing finish.

These are beautiful works, aided in no small part from the fine playing of the NDR Philharmonic Orchestra led once again by Peter Ruzicka. CPO's sonics are well balanced and wonderfully pétillant. Ruzicka's three recordings dedicated to Enescu are worth every bit, and this one adds to the fine accounts of the late unfinished symphonies.

 

 

Works
Violin Concerto (33.09)
Phantasy, for piano and orchestra (20.23)

Soloists
Carolin Widmann, violin
Luiza Borac, piano

Performers
NDR Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannover
Peter Ruzicka, conductor

Label: CPO
Year: 2021
Total Timing: 53.33

I could see listeners finding these two concertos youthful and derivative, hardly the work of the mature composer, known for his thick, late-Romantic chromaticisms.

Yet, I am moved by them all the same. That, my friends, is the beauty of listening to music.

Some of my enjoyment must come from these performers, ones who are deeply committed to presenting Enescu in the very best light.

Find more Enescu recordings HERE!