Franck: Symphony in D Minor, FWV 48 - Chausson: Symphony in B-Flat Major, Op. 20

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There is a lot that goes right on this 2024 release by the Rundfunks-Sinfonieorchester Berlin and conductor Jean-Luc Tingaud. One draw is a thorough review of the score of Chausson's Symphony in B flat major, Op. 20, on Tingaud's part, resulting in many small changes from previous performances. Despite the obvious pairing with Franck's Symphony in D minor -- Chausson borrows his cyclical structure from Franck, and the two works are awash in common influences, including Wagner -- this work is not often performed. To that end, the album will be essential for Chausson lovers and desirable for fans of 19th century French orchestral music generally. Moreover, Tingaud keeps good control over his orchestra in complex, rather difficult scores. The first movement of the Franck in his hands has a clean logic even as it is introducing the wealth of thematic material that makes up the symphony. Although the Naxos label is not normally where one turns for audiophile recording quality, producer Wolfram Nehls and his team, working in a studio at the Haus des Rundfunks in Berlin, hit the ball out of the park with great transparency (listen for the harp) and a burnished string sound. What is not to like? Both works offer measured finales, but some listeners will want more Wagnerian heft. Outlooks may differ on this, and enough seem to have liked Tingaud's approach to put the album on classical best-seller lists in early 2024. Sample generously and decide.

© James Manheim /TiVo