Search - Johannes Brahms, Alun Francis, Milan RAI Symphony Orchestra :: Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2

Superb Brahms

Stuart Bloom | 05/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't let the budget price, no-name conductor, and non-marquee orchestra fool you. This are outstanding renderings of these too-rarely heard early Brahms masterpieces. The principal horn of this ensemble is superb, and it's worth the price of the CD to hear him/her in the short, rollicking second scherzo movement of the D major."

Some info on the orchestra.

N. Daniele Pietro | Milano, MI Italy | 12/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"So, who are these guys from Milan ? If you're tempted by this Arte Nova release, but, despite the good review from Illinois, you're put off by the unknown orchestra, this is the story. The Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi (Giuseppe Verdi Symphony Orchestra of Milan, the "Grand" in the Amazon billing is a clumsy translation for "Grande" = "Great" , a word they dropped from the name a few years ago) is a real orchestra, albeit a recent one. It was founded in 1992 by a private association, without government funding, assembling young musicians from several Conservatories. It was a timely idea, since the city's musical life wasn't exactly thriving under La Scala's charming dictatorship . Do not misunderstand me: as a Milanese , I'm proud of La Scala and I think that Riccardo Muti has transformed La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra in a real world-class ensemble. The problem is that Muti's real concern is Opera, he doesn't seem to care much about symphonic music; furthermore La Scala PO, with a dozen concerts a year, can't be really considered a full-time orchestra. Furthermore, Muti's repertoire is perplexingly limited and conservative (how was him in Philadelphia, I really would like to know !). Anyway, after initial struggles (no money) , the GV SOM established itself and found a public, but the real boost came two years ago, when the Music Director Alun Francis (conductor of this release) left and his post was taken by renowned Milan-born maestro Riccardo Chailly. Under his leadership the orchestra has improved immeasurably and now they perform in a brand-new concert-hall built expressly for them. Also, they're known for their innovative (for here, at least) programming: for example next June they're going to give the 1st (I think) Italian performance of John Adams' Harmonielehre, an event I eagerly wait. The big hit came a few months ago, when the orchestra's first recording with Chailly, the Decca/London "Verdi Heroines" Angela Gheorgiu's recital, won the Gramophone Award. As you know, it's the world's most important classical prize, and to see the award plaque on exhibition in the Auditorium's lobby was quite a thrill. I hope this helps a young orchestra that has great possibilities. About this release, the reviewer from Illinois hit the mark perfectly, so I'll just add that I bought it as a curiosity, but I was pleasantly surprised. Admittedly my reference versions ( LSO / Tilson Thomas) are in a different league, but this is more than a simply proficient performance, at one third of the price."