Search - Giovanni Paisiello, Gioachino Rossini, Enrique Bátiz :: Overtures

Sturdy

David Saemann | 02/08/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra is not a virtuoso ensemble. So don't expect some of the wonders in Rossini conducting that were achieved by Beecham and Reiner. Nevertheless, the orchestra is very well drilled, and the playing from time to time has real panache. The sound engineering is not as bright as it might be either, a surprise coming from the excellent producer Brian B. Culverhouse. Perhaps it was the best he could achieve in this venue. All the above taken into consideration, Enrique Batiz turns out to be a splendid Rossinian. His tempos are always just so, and most of the music proceeds with a real swing in its step. His tempo for Il Signor Bruschino is daringly slow, apparently to accomodate the entire violin section tapping out the rhythm on their music stands, as the score calls for. Nevertheless, the performance is coherent and enjoyable. The CD ends with one of the best versions of the William Tell that I ever have heard, lovingly characterized and very feisty. If you are a fan of this conductor, and I am, this CD would make a very engaging acquisition."