Editor's Choice: 'None of the three previous recordings of the symphony... survived very long in the catalogue, so Gamba's vibrant yet cogent interpretation plugs a glaring gap. ...the playing of the Iceland SO combines commendable polish and contagious dedication, and Chandos's sound has both tangible presence and enticing glow.' Gramophone
'Vincent d'Indy's Second Symphony, a substantial work written at the dawn of the 20th century, combines reasoned, Classical compositional principles with a strong Romantic impulse. Its performance here, well-controlled but malleable in phrasing and pace, is one of ravishing colour, capitalising on the music's fluid, succulent harmony and glowing orchestral palette.' The Daily Telegraph
'd'Indy: Orchestral Works, Vol. 2' is the follow up album to 'd'Indy: Orchestral Works, Vol. 1', showcasing a series of rarer compositions by the Paris-born composer, Vincent d'Indy. A pupil of Franck and great admirer of Wagner, d'Indy writes in a consistently warm and robust manner, each track being of great narrative and emotional significance.
This album opens with 'Symphony no. 2, Op.57', a particularly rare recording which was completed in 1903 having been inspired by Cesar Franck, d'Indy's mentor, before moving into 'Tableau de Voyage, Op.36', composed to commemorate a number of hiking tours that d'Indy took through the Tyrol and the Black Forest. Finally, the 'Karadec suite Op. 34' which was written for the play 'Karadec' by Andre Alexander draws the album to a close, drawing considerable inspiration from Breton folk song.
An exceptional musical treat, 'd'Indy: Orchestral Works, Vol. 2' is not only musicially rich and fulfilling throughout, but also benefits from particular skill, depth and clarity in the recording.
Credits:
Orchestra: Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Rumon Gamba
Recorded in: Haskolabid University Hall, Reykjavik, Iceland 8-11 Sepember 2008
Producer/s: Ralph Couzens
Sound Engineer/s: Georg Magnusson