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Schubert: Complete Overtures Vol 1 / Benda, Prague Sinfonia
Naxos

Schubert: Complete Overtures Vol 1 / Benda, Prague Sinfonia

$19.99

Details

Composer
SCHUBERT, FRANZ
Artist
Benda, Prague Sinfonia
Format
CD
Label
Naxos
Released
Jan 27, 2009
Catalog #
8570328
UPC
747313032877

About

You may feel drawn to this disc out of a sense of duty. You know that you ought to know more of Schubert’s overtures than the so-called “Rosamunde” or the Overtures in the Italian Style. So you put this disc on – and are immediately transported with a sense of sheer delight. What is more, this continues throughout the disc as one engaging work follows another. At the end you pour yourself another cup of Earl Grey and start again. Well, at least that was my experience.

You may know all of these early works already and have scores or good recordings of them, in which case none of this will come as a surprise. For those who do not, let me explain that the nine overtures on this disc are all relatively early works written for a variety of purposes. Some are for operas or plays, some are concert works, and the last was probably written for a Cantata in honour of the Chief Inspector of Elementary Schools, a man also in charge of the fund for teachers’ widows. Despite that it is a very engaging piece. The notes by Keith Anderson helpfully explain the origins of each Overture, but I doubt whether you would be able to distinguish which is which without those notes. They are however unfailingly attractive, most with slow introductions followed by sonata-form movements. If you enjoy Schubert’s first three Symphonies, you will certainly enjoy these pieces which are very much in a similar vein and with similar virtues, especially in respect of the very characteristic scoring. Over and over again the listener will find themselves delighted by a turn of phrase, an unexpected harmony or deft orchestration.

Although clearly this is essentially down to the composer, much of the pleasure of the disc is also due to the bright but affectionate performances by the Prague Sinfonia, an expanded version of the Prague Chamber Orchestra. Christian Benda comes from a very distinguished family of Czech musicians and directs performances that are just right for these pieces, avoiding on the one hand blandness and on the other excessive point making. The recording quality is clear and full.

You will have gathered by now that I have had considerable pleasure from this disc. Completeness can be a mixed blessing, but on this occasion I am very glad that Naxos have decided to do this in respect of a category as unexpected as Schubert’s Overtures.

-- John Sheppard, MusicWeb International

Tracklist 9 tracks

  1. 1 Der Teufel als Hydraulicus, D. 4: Overture 03:38
    Track
    1
    Title
    Der Teufel als Hydraulicus, D. 4: Overture
    Duration
    03:38
    Composer
    Franz Schubert
    Ensemble
    Prague Sinfonia
    Conductor
    Christian Benda
  2. 2 Der Spiegelritter, D. 11: Overture 08:32
    Track
    2
    Title
    Der Spiegelritter, D. 11: Overture
    Duration
    08:32
    Composer
    Franz Schubert
    Ensemble
    Prague Sinfonia
    Conductor
    Christian Benda
  3. 3 Overture in D Major, D. 12 08:16
    Track
    3
    Title
    Overture in D Major, D. 12
    Duration
    08:16
    Composer
    Franz Schubert
    Ensemble
    Prague Sinfonia
    Conductor
    Christian Benda
  4. 4 Overture in D Major, D. 26 06:36
    Track
    4
    Title
    Overture in D Major, D. 26
    Duration
    06:36
    Composer
    Franz Schubert
    Ensemble
    Prague Sinfonia
    Conductor
    Christian Benda
  5. 5 Des Teufels Lustschloss, D. 84: Overture 09:04
    Track
    5
    Title
    Des Teufels Lustschloss, D. 84: Overture
    Duration
    09:04
    Composer
    Franz Schubert
    Ensemble
    Prague Sinfonia
    Conductor
    Christian Benda
  6. 6 Der vierjahrige Posten, D. 190: Overture 07:22
    Track
    6
    Title
    Der vierjahrige Posten, D. 190: Overture
    Duration
    07:22
    Composer
    Franz Schubert
    Ensemble
    Prague Sinfonia
    Conductor
    Christian Benda
  7. 7 Claudine von Villa Bella, D. 239: Overture 07:56
    Track
    7
    Title
    Claudine von Villa Bella, D. 239: Overture
    Duration
    07:56
    Composer
    Franz Schubert
    Ensemble
    Prague Sinfonia
    Conductor
    Christian Benda
  8. 8 Die Freunde von Salamanka, D. 326: Overture 05:54
    Track
    8
    Title
    Die Freunde von Salamanka, D. 326: Overture
    Duration
    05:54
    Composer
    Franz Schubert
    Ensemble
    Prague Sinfonia
    Conductor
    Christian Benda
  9. 9 Overture in B-Flat Major, D. 470 05:50
    Track
    9
    Title
    Overture in B-Flat Major, D. 470
    Duration
    05:50
    Composer
    Franz Schubert
    Ensemble
    Prague Sinfonia
    Conductor
    Christian Benda