Dvorák: Serenade for Strings in E; Serenade for Wind Instruments in D minor

Read About This Recording

While Antonín Dvorák was influenced by Wagner, under whose baton he played as a student in 1863, his real compositional model was the music of his Bohemian elder Bedrich Smetana. That influence combined with his love of the early Viennese School, especially the elegant works of Franz Schubert. All of those seemingly diverse influences are apparent and beautifully displayed in the two Serenades contained on this excellent recording.

The Serenade in E for Strings Op. 22 is a work that fully exploits the rich sound of a string ensemble; one cannot help but be reminded of an early Schubert symphony only altered and reshaped by the fuller sound of the Romantic Era. This is a piece of mood and texture, a musical invocation of nature's richness. Dvorák weaves melodies from one movement to the next and brilliantly brings them together in the wonderful final movement.

This technique of weaving themes throughout a piece is even more evident in the Serenade for Winds, Cello and Double Bass, Op. 44. The instrumentation is reminiscent of the Harmoniemusik of the Classical Era (MHS #5455369), a kind of elegant band music, but in Dvorák's hands the melodies and the instruments form a unity of extraordinary beauty. There are dances, moments of exquisite calm and explosions of joyful harmony.

Alexander Schneider leads the youthful players of The Chamber Orchestra of Europe in these seminal works. His interpretation does what a great performance should do: it lets the music speak for itself and Dvorák's music has plenty to say!

—Jacob Anthony

Quotes

"Winningly warm and fresh performances." —Penguin Guide

Contents

Serenade for Strings in E, Op. 22; Serenade for Wind Instruments, Cello & Double Bass in D Minor, Op. 44.

Christoph Marks, Cello; Richard Hosford, Nicholas Rodwell, Clarinets; Douglas Boyd, Mark Pledger, Oboes; Robin O'Neill, Christopher Gunia, Bassoons; David Nissen, Contra Bassoon; Stephen Stirling, Kevin Abbot, Jonathan Williams, Horns; Enno Senft, Double Bass; The Chamber Orchestra of Europe; Alexander Schneider, Conductor.