Search - Enescu, Andreescu, Nro Romania :: Enescu: Complete Orchestral Works, Volume 2 (Symphony No. 2 in A Major, Op. 17, Two Romanian Rhapsodies)

A wonderful showcase of Enescu's diversity

chefdevergue | Spokane, WA United States | 10/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD contains the two best-known of Enescu's orchestral works, the Romanian Rhapsodies composed in 1901 & 1902, when Enescu was only 21. The first Rhapsody is a flashy orchestral showpiece which continues to be performed regularly and can be found on any number of albums featuring flashy crowd-pleasing orchestral confections.The nice thing about this CD is that it also contains Enescu's 2nd Symphony, written more than a decade later. Where the Rhapsodies are relatively short and full of dazzling orchestral color and folk themes, the 2nd Symphony is the longest of Enescu's symphonies and features some of the most sophisticated thematic development that Enescu would ever write. Full of long, flowing, lyrical lines, the Symphony shows Enescu to be one of the true masters of the genre.An interesting comparison is that between the 1st Symphony (found on volume 1 of this collection) and the 2nd Symphony. Where the 1st Symphony shows the significant influence of Wagner & also French composers like Massenet, the 2nd Symphony shows Enescu having come clearly into his own as a composer. The Romanian flavor is much more in evidence in the 2nd Symphony. Had Enescu written more than three symphonies, he undoubtedly would have exerted a profound influence on the development of the symphonic form in the 20th century.The performance & sound quality is outstanding as usual. This CD shows the wonderful contrast in styles that Enescu could provide."

Rev up your day!

Dianne R. Sherman | Rhode Island, USA | 06/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Life has no zing? Play the Roumanian Rhapsody No. 1 from this CD and you'll be humming it all day, and that's no lie. This music has the exotic flavor of the composer's homeland and it captures the imagination as well as gets the feet tapping. You'll add Enescu to your list of favorites once you hear this piece."