Reinecke is one of those composers whose life spanned an almost unimaginable transformation of the musical scene. When he was born, Beethoven and Schubert were still alive. When he died, Wagner’s opera had set the stage for political conflagration and the 12-tone shenanigans of the new century. Not to mention, inventions like the telephone and sound recording devices!
Despite Reinecke’s long and successful career and reputation, and close to 60 recordings including 13 of his Undine flute sonata, there is nothing here to quicken the pulse except of desperate woodwind players. The Octet and the valedictory Sextet are both technically mellifluous and cautiously sweet, while the 11 arrangements for flute and piano of his popular suite of piano pieces, From the Cradle to the Grave verges on saccharine. Disappointing for those who prefer the more vigorous and thrilling woodwind music of composers like Reicha and Spohr.
Released in 1993 on the Dutch Etcetera label, these fine performances by “non-principle” members of the Boston Symphony are just the thing, affectionate and unfailingly silvery. The sound is beguiling as befits its refined academic recording in Chapin Hall at Williams College. Flutist Smith’s liner notes display a performer’s affection for Reinecke without going overboard.
– Laurence Vittes
