Bohuslav MARTINU
Symphony no. 2
Symphony no. 4
National Symphony Orchestra
of Ukraine/Arthur Fagen
NAXOS 8.553349
[60.58]
Crotchet
The Naxos Martinu symphonies series continues with this issue of Nos. 2 and
4. Since Martinu is a great symphonist whose achievement is less valued than
it might be (why do our orchestras fight shy of him in the concert hall?),
this disc is to be welcomed. But in truth the results are mixed.
First, then, the good news. Symphony no. 2, perhaps the lightest and brightest
of the set, receives an enervating performance under Fagen's direction. His
orchestra are at their best too, articulating the rhythmic buoyancy of the
livelier sections with much conviction, while the Naxos recording is warm
and atmospheric.
However, Symphony no. 4 is frankly given a disappointing performance. This
is a pity because it is arguably the most immediately appealing of the six
Martinu symphonies, and arguably the greatest too. The problems manifest
themselves particularly in the first movement, where ensemble is less than
tight and there are some odd balances. These problems seem to lie in the
performance rather than the recording, though it's hard to be really sure.
And does it matter anyway, since the result is the same? The phrasing and
shaping of this wonderful movement also leaves much to be desired, while
the strings fail to generate that wonderful, glowing sonority which is a
special feature of Martinu's orchestral music. Things improve somewhat in
the later movements, but the performance still lacks conviction.
Overall, then, this is a disappointing issue, and it is worth looking elsewhere
if you want to acquire these symphonies for your collection.
Terry Barfoot
See review by Rob Barnett who was slightly
more impressed
