01. - 05. Serenade for Strings in E major, op.22 B.52 [28'32]
06. - 09. Serenade for Wind in D minor, op.44 B.77* [24'50]
English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Charles Mackerras and English Chamber Orchestra Wind Ensemble*
EMI Classics for Pleasure CD-CFP 4597 [recorded 1983; CD issued 1992]
[digital download; flacs, cover and inlay scans, no booklet]
Recording venue: Not stated
Recording engineer: Mike 'Mr Bear' Clements; Producer: Martin Compton
It is always a great pleasure to hear Charles Mackerras conducting Czech music, Dvorak and Janacek in particular, and this is no exception. It is perhaps a pity that this is for only half of this release. Nevertheless, with this quality of wind players, the un-conducted wind ensemble deliver an equally superb performance of the Wind Serenade. Mackerras delivers the String Serenade with warmth and passion but also with delicacy of phrasing where required.
The excellent recording is particularly effective in the Wind Serenade where the clarity of solo lines stand out.