Rauchenecker: Symphony No. 1

Admit it, there's that one cd in your collection that you have around just to have it. Not spectacular but comfort food. That's this disc. I ordered this after several samplings online. A critic recently gave it a thumbs down, but I disagree. There is some nice music making here. Although the first movement of the symphony, could do with one less repeat. Rauchenecker somehow makes it work. The second is sublime, with echoes of Wagner and Sibelius. Rauchenecker inserts a dance-like theme, which weaves in and out with ease. Akin to a not so distant memory. The third is livelier- reminiscent of being in the mountains. But the tempo should be quicker and more energetic. The fourth features an English horn and uses a short Wagner-like motif. It sounds incomplete but isn't. Using it to his advantage, Rauchenecker ends the piece on a light and triumphant note. However, if Howard Griffiths had given this a little more oomph, tightness and slightly faster rendition it would be far more convincing. The Oriental Fantasy was a nice surprise, but only has a light Oriental flavor. The solo violin pitted against a small ensemble. The Overture could have really used some fine tuning. Full of good ideas, with Wagner again being the inspiration. It just didn't seem like conductor and crew could keep things together. This release would have been fine without it. On the whole, I really enjoyed this recording and hope to hear more of this composer in the future. Rauchenecker wrote three symphonies, string quartets, overtures, opera, concertos for violin/cello/piano and several songs. Most of which are scored for the provincial orchestra. So it may sound thin at times. Coming full circle, I think these gems deserve a place in our music library and concert halls. Even if Mr. Rauchenecker doesn't match the weight of the more familiar romantics.

Heard the Oriental Fantasy on my local classical music radio station WHRO in Norfolk, Virginia. 4 minutes in and I knew I had to have it! The ethereal violin work of Sebastian Bohren ensnared me immediately. 12 minutes of pure ecstasy. Unlke another reviewer, this cd is not one destined to collect dust on the shelf. It will be played repeatedly! In addition to the Fantasy, there are 2 other masterpieces of orchestral excellence. I do hear homages to both Wagner & Humperdinck in the music. 2 of my favorite composers. If you appreciate beautiful music, this is the cd for you.