Michael Hal sz - Symphonies 1 & 2 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

The symphonic poems of the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt are a series of 13 orchestral works, numbered S.95-107. The first 12 were composed between 1848 and 1858 (though some use material conceived earlier); the last, Von der Wiege bis zum Grabe (From the Cradle to the Grave), followed in 1882. These works helped establish the genre of orchestral program music-compositions written to illustrate an extra-musical plan derived from a play, poem, painting or work of nature. They inspired the symphonic poems of Bedrich Smetana, Antonín Dvorák, Richard Strauss and others. Album Tracks 1. The Cradle 2. The Struggle for Existence 3. To the Grave 4. Orpheus, S98 5. The Ideals, S106 (Symphonic Poem After Schiller) 6. Hamlet, S104

Album Tracks 1. Symphony No. 1 in D Major 'Titan' Langsam, Schleppend 2. Symphony No. 1 in D Major 'Titan' Krig Bewegt, Doch Nicht Zu Schnell 3. Symphony No. 1 in D Major 'Titan' Feierlich Und Gemessen, Ohne Zu Schleppen 4. Symphony No. 1 in D Major 'Titan' S TH Bewegt 5. Symphony No. 1 in D Major 'Titan' Blumine (Original 2nd Movement)

The Unfinished is glorious music and this performance is moving and affectionate. The first movement is both dramatic and mysterious and the exposition repeat is given here, thank goodness. The Andante con moto flows nicely - definitely con moto - with good contributions from the solo clarinet, flute and oboe. Ensemble, judged by the highest standards, isn't immaculate. Halasz clearly loves Schubert and that shines through. Album Tracks 1. Symphony No. 8 in B minor Unfinished, D. 759 - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra 2. Symphony No. 9 in C Major Great, D. 944 - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra