Search - Verdi, Downes, BBC Philharmonic :: Preludes Overtures & Ballet Music 1

Bland and unexciting performances

G.D. | Norway | 10/23/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"If any issue in Chandos's series of Verdi overtures and preludes (and orchestral excerpts) should have any special interest, it should be this one. By focusing on Verdi's early works, it does give you the opportunity to hear extracts from some works you are unlikely to hear in full very often (and, frankly, don't want to hear in full particularly often), such as Oberto, Un Giordo di Regno, Alzira and Attila and others. And as always the music contains some catchy tunes, pathos on the verge of vulgarity - rather often beyond, and excitement. These are easy pleasures and - as stand-alone concert works - little more. But if they are to be worthwhile, at least they have to be performed with flair and character, and by that measure this release is far from any unqualified success. The orchestra goes through the motions, and the playing is technically immaculate, but there is little spirit, and everything is simply too polite - mostly too slow as well. Given, in addition, that the sound quality is under par for Chandos, rather distant and overcushioned, there is really little to savor in or salvage from this issue. Unless you really need to hear these pieces and can find them nowhere else I cannot really recommend this disc. A missed opportunity, really."