Search - Clementi, D'Avalos, Phl :: Symphonies 1 & 3 / Overture in C

Absolute gem

Ryan Richards | Midland, MI United States | 07/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a big fan of the Clementi piano sonatinas (just about the only pieces I can play on the piano anymore), I was delighted when I stumbled across this CD. Even with the high expectations I had, it blew me away. These symphonies sound very much like Mozart (or, more accurately, Haydn), but their grand scoring and taut, muscular power (greatly enhanced by the use of winds, particularly the three trombones who solo in the Finale of the Third Symphony) sound much more reminiscent of Beethoven and beyond. Although these symphonies aren't nearly as inspired melodically or structurally as any of the great works by the aforementioned composers, there's still a lot to like here: heroic themes, rich development and a particular mastery of counterpoint (with something like a mini-fugue occurring at the end of the Overture). Overall, this music sounds way too grandiose to fit with the humble image of Clementi I developed while playing those sonatinas. It came out of nowhere and pleasantly surprised me, providing a fascinating look at the metamorphosis of the symphony between the Classical and Romantic eras. D'Avalos and The Philharmonia give a surprising performance as well, with a tightness and clarity (not to mention power) of sound that I would expect from a major orchestra. They search these symphonies through for every bit of life they can find, and then play it all out in a glorious, rich blaze of vigorous sound. These symphonies would be fascinating works as played by any orchestra, but the orchestral playing on this CD gives them the powerful, spacious grandeur they need to propel them firmly into musical noteworthiness, if not musical greatness. This CD contains music from both a dynamic time period and a masterful composer, neither of which get much exposure. When D'Avalos and The Philharmonia expose them, it's enough to not only draw this music from the realm of obscurity, but to give it a place among the finest works of Classical music."