Search - Wagner, Rasilainen, Norwegian Radio Orch :: Wagner: Sym in C Major / Weber: Sym Nos 1 & 2

Enjoyable symphonies

Hayward H. Siegel | East Meadow, New York United States | 02/13/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 3 symphonies on the CD are not so well known, are not considered symphonic masterpieces, but are a pleasure to hear. They are all written in the key of C Major. The first one on this recording is the only symphony completed by Richard Wagner; he composed it when he was only 19 years of age. The orchestration is not like that of his later operas, nor is the music as complex. It sounds more like Robert Schumann, than the more well-known Wagner music. The 1st movement begins with a slow section, but then becomes more lively. A few of the themes in this movement sound similar to themes in the Ring cycle. The beautiful, slow 2nd movement is the highlight of this symphony. This is followed by a lively scherzo and a lively finale. Wagner's symphony is followed by the two symphonies of Carl Maria von Weber, which are scored for a smaller orchestra, and sound similar to the later symphonies of Joseph Haydn. Scherzos are substituted for minuets, otherwise they both follow the Classical four movement symphonic form. Weber is able to blend the various sections of the orchestra very well, and I enjoyed his great use of the woodwind instruments(minus the clarinet). I recommend this recording to those who wish to listen to music which is very easy on the ear."