Search - Raff, Radio-Sinfonieorch B :: Symphony 11

Charming Raff

V. Wilson | Cambridge, MA United States | 01/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is yet another charming release of music by the unfortunately neglected Joachim Raff. That such delightful music could fall into obscurity is an incredible shame.The big ticket item on this disc is Raff's last symphony and the finale to his cycle of symphonies based on the seasons. The 11th is the "Winter" symphony but there is little cold about this piece. The wind swirls occasionally, but generally we're treated to the play of children in the snow and the joy of cocoa by the fire place. It's lightweight fare, but pleasingly orchestrated and well played.The true reason to buy this disk is the wonderful Sinfonietta for Winds. Charming in every way, this piece includes a spooky scherzo, and rollicking finale and a soulful larghetto which includes a melody that Bruckner (of all people) was to mimic in the Adagio of his last symphony. This disk is the perfect cure for "Winter" blues."