Search - George Whitefield Chadwick, Neeme Järvi, Detroit Symphony Orchestra :: Chadwick: Symphonies 2&3

American Romanticism in 19th Century

Shuji Ogino | Boston, MA USA | 06/16/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In late nineteenth century, America had a unique symphonist, George Chadwick. His 2nd and 3rd symphonies have conservative styles, but are melodious and mellifluous. Very soothing music, indeed. These stood among America's best symphonies until Ives appeared as a radical symphonist in 20th century. Neeme Jarvi's energetic recording of these rarely-performed, almost forgotten pieces should certainly be highly regarded. Detroit symphony orchestra also played enthusiastically."

Nice music, but is this the best treatment?

JJM Peters | Nijmegen, The Netherlands | 07/26/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Since first hearing his 4th string quartet I've been very much interested in Chadwick's music (certainly since it has so long been unjustly ignored. I'm glad that in recent years his orchestral music has been favored with several recordings. This recording couples his two major symphonic works, both of which were very popular in their time. The music is stil very vibrant and Chadwick's gift for energetic, melodious writing and his command of orchestration are apparent.

However, I have my doubts about the artistic quality of the recording. Chadwick got his education in early romantic Germany. His idiom is more that of Mendelssohn and Schumann than that of (for example) Dvorak. You only have to hear the scherzo of the 2nd symphony to be convinced. Too often I get the feeling that Järvi takes a rather heavy turn on the music. Too often tempi are taken a tad too slow which takes away a lot of the sparkle that is the main attractiveness of the music.

The music would have benefited greatly from someone who understands that romantic does not automatically mean with much vibrato or mired in a what has become the standard "big sound" of the modern orchestra, in short, someon with a more "classical" approach!"

Lovely pieces

Shuji Ogino | 07/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To my amateur ear, these pieces sound a bit like the symphonies of Schumann. In other words, they are mellifluous, engaging, and loveble. Give them a few listenings, and you'll be rewarded. The performances by the Detroit Symphony are lively and crisp. This is my kind of music."