Franz Krommer.
Orchestral Works, Volume II.
Symphony No 4, opus 102 in C minor.
No 5 opus 105 in E flat major,
No. 7 in G minor.Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, Howard Griffiths.
When I bought the first volume, it had me all in feathers, and was frequently visited by goosebumps, but the second volume even tops that. I think that a lot of classical music lovers put Krommer away as a B composer. If he is at all mentioned it's always deep in the shadow of luminaries of his time. But guess what, Krommer is his own light that shines brightly. He is a very good composer, technical as good as Beethoven, Schumann, etc, and he adds his own technical skills and genius to the works on this disc. I am awestruck, I really am. My mind is full with composers of his time, but this guy is something very special. His scoring is phenomenal, investing his music with gorgeous melodies, embedded in colourful harmonies, and punchy lines. No matter which of the three symphonies you sample, they are all of the same high quality.
This orchestra and conductor are the perfect vehicle to get just this genius out, and the display is magnificent.
Sound is superb. Should be bought post-haste.
