Search - Cesar Franck, Roberto Benzi, Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra :: Franck: Orchestral Music Vol. 1

Great compositions, very good performances

Todd Ebert | Long Beach California | 03/08/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"On this cd one finds Cesar Franck's only symphony (in D) as well as two symphonic poems, "Les Eolides" (The winds) and "Le Chasseur maudit" (cursed hunter). Although I enjoy this interpretation of Symphony in D, I found the EMI 47849 recording conducted by Riccardo Muti much more colorful, expansive and confident. So if symphony in D is the primary reason for considering this recording, one might want to consider the EMI version as well. On the other hand, I've yet to hear a better rendition of "Les Eolides" which is my favorite of the three. I very much enjoy the dynamics of the tempo, which truely is characterisic of the wind. It's one of the great examples of musical poetry.When listening to "Chasseur maudit" I cannot but help picture a small village in France, sometime in the evening. What is happening here I cannot say, but just the ability of musical sounds to take one to a far away place is enough to appreciate this wonderful piece."