Enescu: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol. 2

1. Symphony No. 2 in A major, Op. 17
Composed by George Enescu
Performed by Romanian Broadcasting Orchestra & Chorus Conducted by Horia Andreescu

2. Roumanian Rhapsody No. 1 in A major for orchestra, Op. 11/1
Composed by George Enescu
Performed by Romanian Broadcasting Orchestra & Chorus Conducted by Horia Andreescu

3. Roumanian Rhapsody No. 2 for orchestra, Op. 11/2
Composed by George Enescu
Performed by Romanian Broadcasting Orchestra & Chorus Conducted by Horia Andreescu

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in A, Op.17: I. Vivace, ma non troppo
Sym No.2 in A, Op.17: II. Andante giusto
Sym No.2 in A, Op.17: III. Un poco lento, marziale.Allegro vivace, marziale
Romanian Rhap in A, Op.11 No.1
Romanian Rhap in D, Op.11 No.2

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful showcase of Enescu's diversity.......2003-10-11

This CD contains the two best-known of Enescu's orchestral works, the Romanian Rhapsodies composed in 1901 & 1902, when Enescu was only 21. The first Rhapsody is a flashy orchestral showpiece which continues to be performed regularly and can be found on any number of albums featuring flashy crowd-pleasing orchestral confections.

The nice thing about this CD is that it also contains Enescu's 2nd Symphony, written more than a decade later. Where the Rhapsodies are relatively short and full of dazzling orchestral color and folk themes, the 2nd Symphony is the longest of Enescu's symphonies and features some of the most sophisticated thematic development that Enescu would ever write. Full of long, flowing, lyrical lines, the Symphony shows Enescu to be one of the true masters of the genre.

An interesting comparison is that between the 1st Symphony (found on volume 1 of this collection) and the 2nd Symphony. Where the 1st Symphony shows the significant influence of Wagner & also French composers like Massenet, the 2nd Symphony shows Enescu having come clearly into his own as a composer. The Romanian flavor is much more in evidence in the 2nd Symphony. Had Enescu written more than three symphonies, he undoubtedly would have exerted a profound influence on the development of the symphonic form in the 20th century.

The performance & sound quality is outstanding as usual. This CD shows the wonderful contrast in styles that Enescu could provide.

Track Listings: