Search - Ernst Toch, Alun Francis, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra :: Ernst Toch: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3

Pulitzer Prize Symphony Gets Second Recording in 30 years

Darin Tysdal | Bloomington, MN 55420 | 07/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whoever suggested Alun Francis record the symphonies of Ernst Toch must be given high honors! Toch's 3rd Symphony recieved the Pulitzer Prize in Music in 1956. One of the reasons why was its rather unusual instrumentation-along with the standard orchestra he included Hammond Organ, Glass Balls (which can be subsituted with Vibraphone),a pressure horn (3 horns mounted on a wooden frame and connected to an air machine) and a Rotarion (a wooden box containing wooden balls and producing a rumbling sound when moved). Toch later eliminated the Rotarion and the pressure horn. This is the version used by Francis in his recording, but the premiere recording by William Steinberg uses these instruments, so you can compare and see what you like better. The Steinberg performance is much more 'in your face'-the sound is very brash and lively. Francis' recording is much more sedate but also makes sense-the softer moments resonate more and the loud sections also come across with force-great dynamic range. This symphony always has sounded to me like a fantasia-there are really no standard symphonic procedures used here and anyone used to Toch's fairly dissonant idiom will respond well to it. The 2nd Symphony, to my knowledge never recorded also recieves its due with a stunning recording. This work is much more dissonant than its sucessor. Enjoy!"

Well-crafted and interesting works, well played

G.D. | Norway | 01/31/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"All of Ernst Toch's symphonies date from late in his career and are written in a gritty idiom, but despite being very chromatic they are definitely tonal. Alun Francis clearly has the measure of these works and are able to secure a strong melodic line. Both work are interestingly scored (including a Hammond organ and special effects in the third) and quite colorful. They are not, I think, in the end quite as good as the last three symphonies (presented on another disc in this series) - even though the third did win the Pulitzer price - but are ultimately very rewarding works nonetheless. Performances are, as indicated, very good indeed and sound quality is fine. For the adventurous this receives a strong recommendation."