Search - R. Wagner, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Hiroshi Wakasugi :: Richard Wagner: Symphonies in E Major & C Major

Collector's item for Wagner fans

pyramidcvv | Western US | 02/18/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fine album for Wagner fans who want to check out the composer's non-operatic output. The Symphony in C (written at age 19) may be familiar, and is actually available in other CDs. However, the Symphony in E, Wagner's uncompleted creation from age 21, may not. I decided to opt for this disk for the chance to hear both works in one album.



This CD features Wagner's 1882 revision of the Symphony in C which was performed two months before his death.



Wagner completed the first movement of the Symphony in E but only 29 bars of the second movement. In 1887, a performance version based on these 29 bars was prepared by conductor Felix Mottl at the request of Wagner's widow Cosima. This performance version of the second movement is included on this disk.



The Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and Hiroshi Wakasugi recorded this disk in Tokyo, 1992. I found the performances quite satisfactory and spirited. I thought the engineered sound was very good, too. The liner notes include historical notes, movement-by-movement analyses, and background of the performers. Total time for the CD is 56'51"."