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Raff: Symphony No 2, Four Shakespeare Preludes / Jarvi, Suisse Romande
Chandos

Raff: Symphony No 2, Four Shakespeare Preludes / Jarvi, Suisse Romande

$21.99 Only 1 left

Details

Composer
RAFF, JOACHIM
Artist
Jarvi
Format
SACD
Label
Chandos
Released
Feb 26, 2013
Catalog #
CHSA 5117
UPC
095115511725

About

Joachim Raff’s symphonies have a reputation as being diffuse, bloated, and just not terribly interesting. On the basis of some of his programmatic works in the form, perhaps this is true, at least some of the time, but his Second is a lively, compact, formally shapely and melodically rich work that does not deserve its neglect. Maybe the first movement, which is based on a triadic theme not terribly susceptible to development, lacks drama, but it certainly moves well, as does the entire symphony for that matter. The finale in particular maintains its momentum from start to finish, unlike so many other romantic symphonies. At only 33 minutes (in this performance), you can’t say that the piece outstays its welcome. Järvi typically does not see profundity where none exists, but leads the orchestra in a joyful romp through the piece that proves consistently entertaining.

The four Shakespeare preludes also prove to be lots of fun. All are relatively short but well-orchestrated and atmospheric. Perhaps Romeo and Juliet is the tamest–it’s only nine minutes long and it’s not Tchaikovsky, but Othello is punchy and tense (and even shorter); The Tempest opens with an effective storm and features music that challenges you to figure out who the characters are that Raff illustrates; and Macbeth, possibly the best of all, spends a lot of time focused on the witches and, seemingly, the final battle. It’s great to have this music recorded, and terrifying to realize that the symphony is Raff’s Op. 140 and the preludes his WoO 49-52. My but that man could churn it out, couldn’t he? Fine playing and excellent sonics round out a release that deserves your attention.

-- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

Tracklist 8 tracks

  1. 1 I. Allegro 12:32
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Allegro
    Duration
    12:32
    Composer
    Joachim Raff
    Ensemble
    Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
    Conductor
    Neeme Järvi
  2. 2 II. Andante con moto 07:21
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Andante con moto
    Duration
    07:21
    Composer
    Joachim Raff
    Ensemble
    Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
    Conductor
    Neeme Järvi
  3. 3 III. Allegro vivace 05:28
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Allegro vivace
    Duration
    05:28
    Composer
    Joachim Raff
    Ensemble
    Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
    Conductor
    Neeme Järvi
  4. 4 IV. Andante maestoso - Allegro con spirito 08:06
    Track
    4
    Title
    IV. Andante maestoso - Allegro con spirito
    Duration
    08:06
    Composer
    Joachim Raff
    Ensemble
    Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
    Conductor
    Neeme Järvi
  5. 5 The Tempest Overture, WoO 49 14:10
    Track
    5
    Title
    The Tempest Overture, WoO 49
    Duration
    14:10
    Composer
    Joachim Raff
    Ensemble
    Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
    Conductor
    Neeme Järvi
  6. 6 Macbeth Overture, WoO 50 11:22
    Track
    6
    Title
    Macbeth Overture, WoO 50
    Duration
    11:22
    Composer
    Joachim Raff
    Ensemble
    Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
    Conductor
    Neeme Järvi
  7. 7 Romeo and Juliet Overture, WoO 51 09:46
    Track
    7
    Title
    Romeo and Juliet Overture, WoO 51
    Duration
    09:46
    Composer
    Joachim Raff
    Ensemble
    Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
    Conductor
    Neeme Järvi
  8. 8 Othello Overture, WoO 52 08:14
    Track
    8
    Title
    Othello Overture, WoO 52
    Duration
    08:14
    Composer
    Joachim Raff
    Ensemble
    Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
    Conductor
    Neeme Järvi