D'indy: Wallenstein, Orchestral Works (fischer)

BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Thierry Fischer with Lawrence Power, viola

Wallenstein Op 12 [37'05] 1 Le camp de Wallenstein [9'54] 2 Max et Thécla [12'36] 3 La mort de Wallenstein [14'26] 4 Choral varié Op 55 solo viola and orchestra [11'53] 5 Saugefleurie Op 21 [17'25] 6 Lied Op 19 solo viola and small orchestra [7'10

Vincent d’Indy is one of many great nineteenth century composers whose reputation has suffered through the vagaries of fashion. Yet his fine body of works shows an imaginatively eclectic engagement with the musical trends of his age and a significant orchestral ability greater than that of his revered teacher César Franck. This disc from Thierry Fischer and The BBC National Orchestral of Wales presents a fascinating selection of d’Indy’s orchestral works. Wallenstein, an early and substantial programmatic work, reflects d’Indy’s love of Germany and its culture. Based on a poetic drama by Schiller about doomed love in the Thirty Years’ War, it consists of three interlinked symphonic overtures, employing cyclic themes and other Wagnerian techniques. The superbly poetic symphonic poem Saugefleurie is also a programmatic work. Although the influence of Wagner is again apparent, the music is characteristically French in its sonorous refinement and clear luminous orchestration. Two charming and brilliantly conceived single movement works for solo viola and orchestra showcase the talents of Hyperion artist Lawrence Power. Praise for SCHMITT Orchestral Works CDA67599 ‘Whether mysterious or furious, Schmitt’s command of orchestral magnificence and colour is masterly, as is his ability to characterise through melody and sound. These three works enjoy a resounding and sensitive response from Thierry Fischer and his BBC Welsh forces in music that will surely find popularity through this release … Resplendent in performance and recording quality’ (International Record Review) ‘Thierry Fischer’s no-holds-barred approach brings Schmitt’s Psalm and Salomé to vivid life … Terrific stuff’ (Classic FM Magazine) ‘Thierry Fischer is a committed advocate of this often mesmerising score, and the BBC NOW rises enthusiastically to its challenges, sinister at first, glitzy in the Dance of Pearls, and packing a punch at the end … The orchestra and chorus clearly have a tremendous time … a packed and enticing disc’ (BBC Music Magazine) Praise for BOWEN / FORSYTH Viola Concertos CDA67546 ‘Power blows clean out of the water any preconceptions of the viola being some kind of lumbering violin. His effortless technical dexterity and clean-focused sound throughout the range (his upper notes are simply glorious) are also straight out of the Primrose copy-book. Even in a world overflowing with string players who can seemingly play anything at the drop of a hat, Power has that extra charismatic dimension which has the listener hanging on to his every note’ (International Record Review) ‘York Bowen’s concerto is quirky and gently eccentric, full of unlikely harmonic twists and creatively stretching demands on soloist and orchestra. But the ardent and lucid Power is the real star of the disc’ (Classic FM Magazine)

Price: $19.98