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Chandos

Wesley: Symphonies / Bamert, London Mozart Players

$21.99

Details

Composer
WESLEY, SAMUEL
Artist
Bamert, London Mozart Players
Format
CD
Label
Chandos
Released
May 01, 2000
Catalog #
CHAN 9823
UPC
095115982327

About

Throughout the history of music, there are fascinating cases of family involvement in composition, the prime examples being the Bach and Strauss dynasties. In England, it was the Wesleys. Samuel was the younger son of hymn-writing Charles. His brother, also named Charles, wrote music, as did his son, Samuel Sebastian. All were highly regarded musicians in their day, and all were firmly rooted in the Methodist Church. Samuel wrote six symphonies, of which five survive. They are modestly scored yet highly inventive works. The earliest is written for a curious group of obbligato instruments: violin, cello, and organ--solo instruments that are used only in the fast outer movements of the three-movement piece. The next three symphonies vacillate between Baroque and Classical period styles. Often, as in the first movement of the A major symphony, we find both styles alternating as if vying for prominence. The last symphony, from 1802, shows the influence of Haydn, no surprise since Wesley undoubtedly had heard Haydn's symphonies performed on that composer's two visits to London.

REVIEW:

Wesley's music is not the equal of Mozart or Haydn, but is surely melodious, expertly constructed, and highly enjoyable. The vibrant, perfectly executed, impeccably phrased readings that Matthias Bamert extracts from his London Mozart Players make the best possible case for these works. The recorded sound is robust, complementing the exuberant performances. The bass line is solid, the upper strings sparkle, and there is an ideal balance between warmth and brilliance.
--Rad Bennett, ClassicsToday.com

Tracklist 16 tracks

  1. 1 I. Allegro maestoso 05:21
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Allegro maestoso
    Duration
    05:21
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  2. 2 II. Andante con moto 03:02
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Andante con moto
    Duration
    03:02
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  3. 3 III. Allegro molto 02:41
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Allegro molto
    Duration
    02:41
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  4. 4 I. Andante 06:50
    Track
    4
    Title
    I. Andante
    Duration
    06:50
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  5. 5 II. Andantino 04:16
    Track
    5
    Title
    II. Andantino
    Duration
    04:16
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  6. 6 III. Brillante 03:30
    Track
    6
    Title
    III. Brillante
    Duration
    03:30
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  7. 7 I. Allegro spiritoso 04:51
    Track
    7
    Title
    I. Allegro spiritoso
    Duration
    04:51
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  8. 8 II. Andantino 02:59
    Track
    8
    Title
    II. Andantino
    Duration
    02:59
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  9. 9 III. Allegro molto 05:21
    Track
    9
    Title
    III. Allegro molto
    Duration
    05:21
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  10. 10 I. Allegro 04:59
    Track
    10
    Title
    I. Allegro
    Duration
    04:59
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  11. 11 II. Andante 02:42
    Track
    11
    Title
    II. Andante
    Duration
    02:42
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  12. 12 III. Allegretto - Presto - Tempo di primo 05:24
    Track
    12
    Title
    III. Allegretto - Presto - Tempo di primo
    Duration
    05:24
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  13. 13 I. Allegro 06:00
    Track
    13
    Title
    I. Allegro
    Duration
    06:00
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  14. 14 II. Andante 04:34
    Track
    14
    Title
    II. Andante
    Duration
    04:34
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  15. 15 III. Minuetto e Trio 03:51
    Track
    15
    Title
    III. Minuetto e Trio
    Duration
    03:51
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert
  16. 16 IV. Vivace molto 03:54
    Track
    16
    Title
    IV. Vivace molto
    Duration
    03:54
    Composer
    Samuel Wesley
    Ensemble
    London Mozart Players
    Conductor
    Matthias Bamert