The cycle of Albéric Magnard's orchestral works by the Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg and conductor Fabrice Bollon here reaches a group of short works that are not commonly performed or recorded; there was a recording of almost this same group by the Luxembourg Philharmonic years ago, but apparently nothing since then. Those interested in sampling the cycle might try one of the recordings of the symphonies of "the French Bruckner," but those already hooked by this underrated composer will find much to enjoy. The ...
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The cycle of Albéric Magnard's orchestral works by the Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg and conductor Fabrice Bollon here reaches a group of short works that are not commonly performed or recorded; there was a recording of almost this same group by the Luxembourg Philharmonic years ago, but apparently nothing since then. Those interested in sampling the cycle might try one of the recordings of the symphonies of "the French Bruckner," but those already hooked by this underrated composer will find much to enjoy. The nearest comparison here is not Bruckner or Schumann but Saint-Saëns, the real pioneer behind the neoclassicism heard in the elegant Suite d'orchestre dans le style ancien. Try its fugal gigue, which is sober and grand, not at all dry. A highlight among the short pieces that open the program is the Chant funèbre, Op. 9, written in memoriam of the composer's father. Bollon and the Freiburgers have developed a real flair for Magnard, and the dances in the Suite are crisp and clean. In...
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