Search - Franz Berwald, Ulf Björlin, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra :: Berwald: Overtures, Concertos & Symphonies

Berwald is worth investigating

Samuel Stephens | TN, USA | 06/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Berwald's music will be a delightful discovery for those of you who enjoy orchestral music in the mould of the pre-Wagner era. If you pointed a gun at my head and forced me to say who Berwald resembles the most, I would offer that his music is a combination of Mendelssohnian clarity with a large dose (but restrained) of Berliozian fantasy.



The four completed symphonies (there is an unfinished fifth in A major) are great additions to any orchestral music lover's collection. The first symphony titled "Singuliere," is indeed singular. The music floats, soars, and streams along with beautiful melodies and exciting-- if slightly conventional-- developments. This holds true for the other three symphonies as well. The music is unrestrained by sappy sentiments or ponderous wandering. The overtures and tone poems follow the symphonies in mould, though they aren't as thematically original. They are enjoyable enough though.



The two concertos presented here (there are others, such as a concerto for two pianos) are in a slightly different vein. The piano concerto sparkles and moves along quickly, with not a trace of being of stop-start quality. It's a fun and beautiful work, and that's what matters. The Violin Concerto isn't quite as inspired, but still contains lovely moments and is very easy on the ears.



Ulf Bjorlin* leads the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra throughout this great bargain set. Full credit to the conductor, orchestra, and soloists for wonderful and involved playing. You won't be disappointed by this music. And to boot, it's very affordable. Enjoy!



***Bjorlin, incidentally, is a conductor I thought was completely unknown. I own a very cheap LaserLight disc of Haydn's Symphonies 50, 87, and 89. Bjorlin leads those performances. The interpretations are fine, though the sound is boxy."

Best Recordings of These Magnificent Symphonies

Sussex Pond Pudding | Somewhere in the desert, CA | 04/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Franz Berwald, the astoundingly and tragically obscure Swedish composer is, well, something of an obsession of mine. I have countless recordings of his symphonies and other works. In fact I can say with a great deal of confidence, that I own and have listened to everything available on CD. I have a tough time describing music though. Whenever I try I sound corny or pompous, and generally find that most others do too, so I always keep my music reviews short. This will be no exception. In my opinion, no one but Esa-Pekka Salonen comes close to capturing the essence of Berwald like Bjorlin, whom I have never heard conduct anything else by the way. His Symphonie Singulaire is transcendental, sparklingly brilliant and captures, what I believe to be based on years of listening, Berwald's soul better than anyone. Treat yourself to this if you are unfamiliar with this composer and add it to your collection if you have other Berwald recordings and are unfamiliar with these. When I need Berwald, as I so often do, my fingers always head straight for the Bjorlin recordings."