Search - Franck, O'Hara, Leppard :: Symphony in D Minor / Eolides / Chasseur Maudit

Sweeping orchestral sound...

vmzfla | Orlando, Fl. | 03/25/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Though critics originally didn't receive the "Symphony in D" well

in 1822, today it is considered one of the great masterpieces.

The sweeping jubilant central theme of the first movement again repeated in the finale is most memorable. Throughout Franck's magnificent compact score, keeps the listener mesmorized. It never really lets you down! The tone poem "Les Eolides" virgin daughters of a Greek god, sets to music a floating breeze of strings accented by the winds. The virgins get a little frisky at times, that makes for some thematic variations. The symphonic poem "Les Chasseur maudit" belongs with the "Danse Macabre" and "Night on Bald Mountain" on any creepy classical Halloween disc. I guess the lack of a better title and memorable theme has kept it off. This tells of a Count that would rather play than pray on Sunday. Off he goes hunting(horns glissening), then finds himself pursued by devils to the gates of hell. The music takes all kinds of horrific twists.

Raymond Leppard and the RPO along with the engineers, make this disc an enjoyable symphonic romp."