Search - Karl Goldmark, Stephen Gunzenhauser, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland :: Goldmark: Rustic Wedding Symphony

LANDMARK GOLDMARK

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 12/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If Karl Goldmark (1830-1915) wrote nothing else, his "Rustic Wedding Symphony," Op. 26, would "mark" a place for him in the musical cosmos--- and not merely a footnote, either.



The "Rustic Wedding" is really not a symphony at all, but more a symphonic "suite" comprised of five inventive, melodious and charming programmatic movements. From the opening "Hochzeitsmarsch" (Wedding March), variations of delight and beauty that weave their lyrical material in the most playful and haunting invention, through the nostalgic "Intermezzo" (Brautlied, or, Bridal Song) and the quirky "Serenade," to the utterly disarming and wistful "Andante" (In the Garden), Goldmark's "Rustic Wedding" is every minute a masterpiece of tuneful inspiration.



The overtures, on the other hand, although pleasant enough "fillers," are relatively facile endeavors--- imminently forgettable.



Gunzenhauser approaches Goldmark with a fine romantic sweep, and the NSOI keep attuned perfectly. The overall sound is good, if not as full or detailed as one may wish. However, this budget release is still a solid way to obtain Goldmark's vision at a nominal monetary outlay.



[Running time: 64:28]



"

Rustic yet elegant

Chandra B. Gillan | 10/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a beautiful Symphony. Goldmark and Gunzenhauser did an amazing job recreating the 'Wedding March' and ' Bridal March'. My fiancee and I are using this CD for our wedding ceremony instead of the more traditional music. It reminds me of fairies in flight. It's perfect for our rustic Fall wedding!"

Sheer beauty

Mr. Allan K. Steel | Sydney, AUS | 12/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have had this CD for almost 10 years now and have never ceased loving it.



The music is simply beautiful, in the mold of German 19th C romanticism. The Rustic Wedding Symphony is simply great. The first movement in particular, whose main theme clearly is a bit

of a take of of the Beethoven 9 Joy theme, has so many beautiful variations with very imaginative differences.



I love the opening "In the Spring" piece too; there is so much freshness and the orchestration is just right.



Excellently played and recorded too."