Enescu: Strigoii

 

In the physical media, Romanian composer George Enescu's Strigoii is labeled as an oratorio, even though there is no chorus present in the work. Additionally, while Capriccio translates Strigoii as Ghosts, apparently it can also be translated as The Vampyre. Suffice to say, two different tales could be told depending upon who is translating.

To add injury to insult, my recording has no liner notes or texts or translations, an odd situation for the normally terrific Capriccio classical-music label. Essentially, the back cover is simply repeated on the inside, with the addition of a track list with timings. Nothing else. Even the track titles are only in Romanian, thus I am given no clues that route either. So, if I sound lost, that is probably the reason why.

Back to the music, whether an oratorio or cantata, to my ears, the 45-minute work sounds like a radio play. While there are vocal solos, each given a character name on the back cover, the majority of the runtime is given over to spoken narration. Romanian bass Alin Anca seems fine as the reader, however, he shares no emotional stakes as to what is going on in the story, I assume to keep the story moody, thus I feel doubly lost as a listener.

All I have left to rely on is George Enescu's music. This I have no problem with in Strigoii, even considering I have never been a fan of the composer's brand of thick chromaticism. The music is unusually colorful, keeping the orchestral forces in check due to the narrative at the fore, but employing some creative combinations of instruments, including percussion. Truthfully, most of the runtime sounds like underscoring to me, but is quite affable as such. The solo vocalists are fine, but are never around for long, so it doesn't seem beneficial to dwell on their specific capabilities, yet I will say they sound of a strong Slavic quality singing-wise.

You wouldn't know it from the cover, but there is another orchestral work receiving its world premiere on this recording as well - Pastorale Fantaisie. I am more at home here, for the music translates for itself as a purely orchestral piece. Lush undulating strings opens the piece with contentment, yet also just a hint of nostalgia. Enescu eventually opens into stormier musical pastures, utilizing brass and winds a fair bit, but true to its title, darkness never lasts for long. A beautiful work, one which never outlasts its 10-minute runtime.

I haven't heard of the young Romanian conductor Gabriel Bebeșelea, but the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra seems to respond to him with great interest. Certainly, the disparate orchestral sections which appear here and there sound delightful, making for a fine recording of this unusual work from Enescu. Capriccio seems to balance everything competently, making each performing aspect a special highlight.

I must have received a repress of this recording of Strigoii, for online reviews and music databases speak of and list liner notes and translation credits. I have none with my recording. I think I would have a greater appreciation for what is going on in the music if I had these, but as it is, I can only stir up only so much enthusiasm without. The performances are excellent, the soloists of varying Slavic quality, but sung in very short spurts, with the orchestra as the star of the recording. I don't even mind Capriccio's garish cover art, for it sets itself apart rather well from other mainstream Classical Music releases.

 

 

Works
Strigoii (45.52)
Pastorale Fantaisie (10.03)

Soloists
Rodica Vica, soprano
Tiberius Simu, tenor
Bogdan Baciu, baritone
Alin Anca, bass

Performers
Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra
Gabriel Bebeșelea, conductor

Label: Capriccio
Year: 2018
Total Timing: 55.55

  

Could Strigoii be a new favorite work of mine?

Possibly, but I really need the texts and translations to the music, especially as it contains so much narration. The music only carries me so far on its own.

Regardless, the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra is in excellent form here, responding to the direction of Gabriel Bebeșelea with glee.

Find more Enescu recordings HERE!