FRANCK

Symphony in D minor

 

CHAUSSON

Symphony in B flat op.20

 

Orchestre de la Suisse Romande / Marek Janowski

 

César Franck is better known as a composer of organ work, he is considered the finest composer for organ after Bach, but his symphony in D minor has become standard repertoire and is the only Symphony he wrote. This is also the case with Ernest Chausson, a pupil of César Franck. Both composers have a unique “Late Romantic” style influenced by Massenet, Wagner and Brahms.

 

This is the first recording of L’ Orchestre de la Suisse Romande on the PentaTone label. The Orchestra is based in Geneva and has a long tradition performing French repertoire. Marek

Janowski is one of the most respected conductors of today and has worked with most of the world’s top orchestras. He also holds the guest conductor chair at the Pittsburgh SO.

 

Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Marek Janowski

 

“In the wrong hands both the Franck Symphony and its younger brother by Chausson can sound stiffjointed.

 

Not here. Marek Janowski draws on all his operatic experience to make the melodic lines live and sing. Everything has shape and colour, but these frequent dark undertows are never allowed to wallow in sentimentality. Best of all is the way Janowski responds to the variety of harmonic tension in both works: the more chromatic a chord, the more space he tends to give it without ever obstructing the flow… they make a tremendous impact when required, balanced by warm-toned pianissimos. I have no doubt that the power and refinement of this recording should bring it a wide audience.” Roger Nichols (BBC Music Magazine Orchestral Choice Jan-07)

 

Pentatone Hybrid SACD PTC5186078