Classical Editor: Rob Barnett Music Webmaster Len Mullenger: Len@musicweb-international.com

	JOHANNES BRAHMS Serenade No. 1 in D major Op. 11 (1858) Serenade No. 2 in A major Op. 16 (1859)Chamber Philharmonic of Bohemia / Douglas BostockClassicO CLASSCD196 [69:58]
		Crotchet

		These two works are still little known and this disc is a good way to get to know them in lively intimate performances which have the woodland rustic spirit of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony. Other reference works include the early Schubert symphonies. Do not be entirely convinced by Mogens Wenzel Anderson's otherwise convincing notes when he claims that 'we are far from the world of Romanticism'. I disagree. There are many moments especially in the first serenade when the world of the Brahms first symphony is evoked. Pre-echoes of the orchestral music of Othmar Schoeck are also to be heard. Adrian Boult (Bostock was a Boult pupil) recorded both these works for HMV in the 1970s but Boult's big and beefy LPO do not convey so well the beguiling charm of these two works. They are neglected and can be warmly recommended for the explorer ready to be rewarded. Reviewer Rob Barnett	Reviewer Rob Barnett
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