Here we have two pieces by two Lisbon composers, a generation apart. Freitas Branco (1890-1955) had early influences of Franck and Debussy, and actually studied with Engelbert Humperdinck. His Second Symphony, written as a celebration of his sister entering a convent in 1925 (he wrote over 1900 sacred works!) is a richly romantic piece, full of classical structure and using as its theme a Gregorian melody “Tantum ergo”. The work is scored in a way that Franck might have approved, and has memorable themes and interesting, even moving, moments.
Jose Fernandes was up and coming in the 1930s, and was another one of the many who studied with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, grabbing courses with Dukas and Stravinsky along the way. His Violin Concerto is a fine work, more obviously influenced by Debussy and Ravel (at least their harmonies if not their methodologies and forms), and it gives the violinist quite a fervent workout, though never straying too far from what is idiomatic for the instrument.
The sound here is somewhat distant, very analog-like with little spread, but still warm and soft on the ears. The orchestra is a new one (founded in 2000) but plays with a technique and sheen that suggests a far more established ensemble. I was not overwhelmed by the sound of violinist Alexandre da Costa (though technically he is quite accomplished) but I think the reason is the sound of the recording itself, as I said, a little muffled (unusual for an Atma recording), and this did not allow Costa’s power to make itself manifest. Turn up the volume a little. If this program interests you at all—and these are very accomplished compositions—this might make a wonderful discovery.
— Steven Ritter