Search - Martinu, Ancerl :: Symphonies 1 3 & 5

Wow

Gregory M. Zinkl | Chicago, IL | 05/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The performance of the first symphony alone is enough to warrant purchase of this disc.The music of Martinu is wonderful stuff--tuneful, rhythmic, bracing. Take I of Symphony 1: the opening itself is overwhelming, with flourishes of rising scales, written in such a way as to give the impression that the music will continue forever. And I certainly want it to!The performances are outstanding. The orchestra plays as if possessed, and Ancerl is an outstanding interpreter and advocate of Martinu's wonderful scores. In comparison to Neumann's complete, if better recorded (and in more modern sound)set, these performances are on fire whereas Neumann more or less presents the music. Neumann's set is certainly nothing to sneeze at: it is very good, but Ancerl is downright special.The sound is mono, but clear. The music-making is well-transmitted. Worth waiting for/searching out."