Spain by way of alternative national styles is the theme for this high-powered restoration, the Lalo Symphonie Espagnole (1961) having been transferred from RCA 4-track tape, the Rimsky-Korsakov (1958) likewise, both produced originally by master Richard Mohr. While there are several stellar personalities on this disc, certainly Henryk Szeryng (1918-1988) stands out, here captured at the peak of his form. His intonation is both sweet and accurate, his phrasing entirely idiomatic. Great trumpet and flute work from the CSO under Walter Hendl (b. 1917), noted for his excellent accompaniments for Heifetz and Cliburn. Scintillating energy in the scherzo (Allegro molto), the response of violin and triangle quite forward, with superheated runs from Szeryng. A ferocious attack for the Intermezzo, Allegro non troppo, the movement most often elided in standard performances. Szeryng provides a smoky, sultry patina over this music, hints of Moorish eroticism in constantly shifting metrics. The least “national” movement, the Andante, proceeds with noble girth, a D Minor elegy. Piquant D Major for the Finale, a combination conga and malaguena in whistling gypsy style. Superb sonics make the virtuoso impact that much more resonant.
Kiril Kondrashin (1914-1981) remains a noted Russian conducting talent whose virtues continue to be unearthed. Philips had a series devoted to him, but the cycle appeared in fragmented, disjointed items. Tahra has done better service with its 2-CD set of his work in Amsterdam (TAH 501-502). This Capriccio Espagnol dates from the same period that gave us Kondrashin’s famed collaboration with Van Cliburn on the Tchaikovsky B-flat Minor Concerto. Explosive panache opens the Alborada, a veritable trapeze of colors. The violin solo makes us wish we had a full-scale concerto from Rimsky-Korsakov. Tender Eros for the Variations with nice colors from trumpets and low winds, tremolando strings. The Alborada returns, then a savage Scene and Gypsy Song with amplified fury, the snare drum, triangle, and harp popping out of the walls. Flute and ostinato tympani, cymbals, clarinet, harp, and oboe in vivid soli before the wild ride after the tutti. Falla has nothing on Rimsky-Korsakov in this reading! When the last chords had sounded, I and my sound system were thoroughly spent–wonderful!
HDTT has upgraded its packaging, with cover art and liner notes (though in microscopic font) and attributions for recording dates. Now, total timings and for individual bands too, please.
