Symphony No. 1 in G minor Sérieuse (1842)
Symphony No. 2 in D major Capricieuse (1842)
Symphony No. 3 in C major Singulière (1845)
Symphony No. 4 in E flat major Naïve (1845)
Jena Philharmonic Orchestra
David Montgomery
recorded Volkshaus, Jena, April 1996
ARTE NOVA 1996
The present symphonies were completed between 1842 and 1845. No 1 was premiered in 1843. The only one to be performed so quickly. No. 2 survived as a fragment and in that form was premiered in 1914 being 'completed' as late as 1971; No. 3 in 1905 and No. 4 in 1878, a decade after his death. Berwald's music is indebted to Schubert (Nos 8 and 9) and Beethoven (the odd numbered symphonies). It is nevertheless freshly imagined stuff with many daring and surprising strokes evident in the first and second symphonies. Also surprising are some unnervingly forward-looking references to what was to become Brahms' orchestral style.
The Singulière (No. 3) has sparkling woodwind, mystery, some of the elemental power of Beethoven 7 and the call of wood-dove in the land. The second movement themes have a restful curve and rise; not at all predictable. The Jena orchestra seem utterly at home in this music so much so that I wonder if they played these works in concert. I defy you to resist the charms of the first movement of this symphony. The third return to Beethovenian 'stürm und drang' with whirling strings and the finale - (presto) is all joyous celebration.
The fourth and final symphony (the spirit of which defies the name Naïve) bustles with springheel energy. While it may not be quite the equal of the other three it has a ripely rounded adagio and a bristling vivace energy that prefigures the Berlioz Corsair. The sound is decent, natural in ambience and lively.
Recommended with all warmth. (MusicWeb review)
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