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Three Sinfoniettas / Slobodeniouk, Lahti Symphony
BIS

Three Sinfoniettas / Slobodeniouk, Lahti Symphony

$21.99

Details

Composer
Benjamin Britten, Francis Poulenc, Sergei Prokofiev
Artist
Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Format
SACD
Label
BIS
Released
Sep 02, 2022
Catalog #
BIS-2601
UPC
7318599926018

About

The term sinfonietta is generally used to describe a work that is smaller in scale or lighter in approach than a standard symphony. It only came into common usage during the first half of the 20th century, which is when the three works included on this disc were in fact composed. Worth noting is also that Sergei Prokofiev and Benjamin Britten wrote their respective sinfoniettas while they were still in their teens – early attempts at multi-movement works for ensemble. Prokofiev revised his Sinfonietta twice, with the 1929 version recorded here, and went on to become one of the great symphonists of his time. Britten chose a different path, with operas forming the most important part of his legacy. Perhaps symptomatically, his Sinfonietta – his Op. 1 – was initially composed for wind quintet and string quintet, a scoring which he later expanded into the version heard on the present recording. Like Britten, Francis Poulenc was not naturally inclined towards large-scale orchestral works, and his Sinfonietta is indeed his only symphonic piece. The most recent of the works on the disc, it is in a neo-classical vein with sparkling dance rhythms as well as lyrical moments. The three works are here performed by the Lahti Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dima Slobodeniouk, a team which has released several highly acclaimed albums on BIS.

REVIEWS:

Poulenc's Sinfonietta would be the composer's only work in the symphony genre, borrowing, sometimes more obviously than not, from the neo-classical stylings of Stravinsky and nearly quoting Mozart. Poulenc mostly stayed away from larger forms, finding success with his songs, chamber music, and religious works, but this Sinfonietta displays the composer's charm and gift with melodic phrasing.

The Sinfonietta, Op. 5, by Prokofiev (heard here in its final revision from 1929, which the composer assigned as his Op. 48) is a youthful work, even in its revised form. A light and airy neo-classical work that, along with his Classical Symphony, can trace to the mature Prokofiev symphonic writing.

While the sinfoniettas of Poulenc and Prokofiev are light and airy works, the Sinfonietta, Op. 1, by Britten has a more mature sound, even though he was only 18 when it was written. The harmonic structure of the work is influenced by the Second Viennese School through his teacher and dedicatee of the work, Frank Bridge. Originally written for wind quintet and string quintet, Britten later revised it for chamber orchestra, which is what is presented here.

A thoroughly enjoyable hour of lighter music that will be nearly unknown to many listeners but should be accessible to a wide audience. BIS' engineers make good use of the Lahti Symphony's magnificent Sibelius Hall home.

-- AllMusic.com (Keith Finke)

All in all this is a splendid release, very enjoyable from beginning to end, offering 3 wonderful pieces not often encountered. It is expertly played, conducted and recorded. Very highly recommended.

-- Classical CD Review

Tracklist 12 tracks

  1. 1 I. Allegro con fuoco 08:18
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Allegro con fuoco
    Duration
    08:18
    Composer
    Francis Poulenc
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  2. 2 II. Molto vivace 05:40
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Molto vivace
    Duration
    05:40
    Composer
    Francis Poulenc
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  3. 3 III. Andante cantabile 06:12
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Andante cantabile
    Duration
    06:12
    Composer
    Francis Poulenc
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  4. 4 IV. Finale: Prestissimo et très gai 06:14
    Track
    4
    Title
    IV. Finale: Prestissimo et très gai
    Duration
    06:14
    Composer
    Francis Poulenc
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  5. 5 I. Allegro giocoso 05:14
    Track
    5
    Title
    I. Allegro giocoso
    Duration
    05:14
    Composer
    Sergei Prokofiev
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  6. 6 II. Andante 04:16
    Track
    6
    Title
    II. Andante
    Duration
    04:16
    Composer
    Sergei Prokofiev
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  7. 7 III. Intermezzo: Vivace 02:48
    Track
    7
    Title
    III. Intermezzo: Vivace
    Duration
    02:48
    Composer
    Sergei Prokofiev
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  8. 8 IV. Scherzo: Allegro risoluto 03:20
    Track
    8
    Title
    IV. Scherzo: Allegro risoluto
    Duration
    03:20
    Composer
    Sergei Prokofiev
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  9. 9 V. Allegro giocoso 04:21
    Track
    9
    Title
    V. Allegro giocoso
    Duration
    04:21
    Composer
    Sergei Prokofiev
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  10. 10 I. Poco presto ed agitato 04:27
    Track
    10
    Title
    I. Poco presto ed agitato
    Duration
    04:27
    Composer
    Benjamin Britten
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  11. 11 II. Variations 06:11
    Track
    11
    Title
    II. Variations
    Duration
    06:11
    Composer
    Benjamin Britten
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk
  12. 12 III. Tarantella 04:00
    Track
    12
    Title
    III. Tarantella
    Duration
    04:00
    Composer
    Benjamin Britten
    Ensemble
    Lahti Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Dima Slobodeniouk