Jarnefelt, Muir, Lavallee, Delibes, Graener, Mac Dowell, Nicolai, Tchaikovsky & Holbrooke: Symphonic

Raymond Thomas and the New World Symphony Orchestra bring together in this recording of ‘Symphonic Vignettes, Vol. 5,’ an interesting variety of great music. The featured composition in this album is Tschaikowsky’s Capriccio Italien. Peter Ilich Tschaikowsky (1840-1893) composed this symphonic impression of Italy while living in Clarens, Switzerland. During this quiet episode of his turbulent life, his creative powers were allowed to well forth freely from his imaginative genius. His mental peace was partly brought about by a commission from Nadejda Filaretovna von Meck, his wealthy benefactress. Besides giving him a sizeable yearly stipend, she became a sounding board for his opinions and impressions, his hopes and fears. Although their correspondence, rich in biographical and musical detail, lasted for many years, it is interesting to note that they never had any personal contact. With personal privacy assured, Tschaikowsky was able to turn to composing at an unprecedented pace. In 1878 he saw his most successful opera, ‘Eugene Onegin’ produced. During a five-year period, from 1877 to 1882, he finished the ‘Fourth Symphony’ as well as a violin concerto, a piano concerto, a piano sonata, several song groups, the ‘1812 Overture’ and – the Capriccio Italien, opus 45. Among the compositions of special interest which are joined with the Tschaikowsky work in this recording, is an excerpt from the symphonic poem, Apollo And The Seaman by the English composer, Josef Holbrooke (1878-1958). Through the use of cellos and bassoons playing a chromatic figure, Holbrooke suggests the rolling of the waves against the side of a boat. The thematic material itself is sombre in nature and is succinctly backed by modern harmonic tone colors which enhance this mystical impression of the sea. As a contrast to Holbrooke’s nautical endeavor, Armas Jarnefelt’s Prelude is a delightful jaunt on land. This bright, happy-sounding composition suggests people gaily walking along tree-shaded lanes or amidst the hum and roar of city streets. A light and gay mood is further established with the Overture to the ‘Merry Wives Of Windsor’ by Otto Nicolai (1810-1849). This diverting composition is filled with varied tempos and rhythms that easily suggest the humorous nature of the marvelous Shakespearean comedy to follow. Edward MacDowell (1861-1908) has composed a work which adds a fine balance to this collection of ‘Symphonic Vignettes.’ His Beauty In The Rose Garden from ‘Forgotten Fairy Tales’ is a sentimental expression of childhood memories in which, through his enchanting music, the famed story of ‘Beauty And The Beast’ is told. The Valse Lente from Leo Delibes (1836-1891) mythological ballet ‘Sylvia’ is particularly noteworthy for its beauty, dramatic color, and rhythmic and melodic contents. The New World Symphony Orchestra has also included an excellent rendition of an ancient dance form, Rigaudon by the German composer Paul Graener (1872-1944) as well as a medley of Canadian national airs, A. Muir’s Maple Leaf Forever and Lavallee’s O Canada.