Search - Alberic Magnard, Jean-Yves Ossonce, Glasgow BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra :: Albéric Magnard: The Four Symphonies

A Major French Symphonist

J. Rich | 09/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alberic Magnard led a somewhat successful life as a composer. He was killed during World War I trying to protect his home from German invasion. A sad way to go for sure, but of what Magnard left behind were four gorgeous symphonies, chamber works, and a few more orchestral works. His symphonies, however, are his major contributions to music. Magnard is sometimes referred to as a "French Bruckner," but honestly I don't hear it, well maybe in the brass chorales, but that's it. He did employ some cyclic type of phrases into his symphonies, but he's really nothing like Bruckner at all, so I think that description isn't a fair one.



I own two complete cycles of Magnard's symphonies: one with Thomas Sanderling/Malmo Symphony originally on Bis (I own the much cheaper Brilliant Classics release) and this one with Jean-Yves Ossonce/BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Both cycles are fantastic, but I think this one with Ossonce has the better audio quality (a hallmark of Hyperion Records). Sanderling's cycle sounds good and he gives more aggressive accounts, but Ossonce's readings are much broader in emotion I think. The BBC Scottish Symphony also play with more of a firey restraint, which may or may not appeal to you, but I found this to be overall more satsifying than Sanderling's more intense readings. It seems Ossonce lets the music flow better and allows it reach it's own resolutions.



Anyone remotely interested in hearing a more obscure French symphonist that deserves wider exposure, then they should pick up this release. Highly recommended."