Franck: Symphony in D Minor / Chausson: Symphony in B Flat Major Orchestre de la Suisse Romande & Marek Janowski

• Cesar Franck: Symphony in D minor, M. 48
• 1 I. Lento - Allegro non troppo 16:10
• 2 II. Allegretto 09:24
• 3 III. Allegro non troppo 09:40
• Ernest Chausson: Symphony in B flat major, Op. 20
• 4 I. Lent - Allegro vivo 11:41
• 5 II. Tres Lent 08:53
• 6 III. Anime - Tres anime 12:31
• Total Runtime 01:08:19

Info for Franck: Symphony in D Minor / Chausson: Symphony in B Flat Major

The Franck D minor Symphony can be a treacherous undertaking for almost any orchestra. Its highly repetitive nature sets the trap for what could be a boring, monotonous performance if not executed with a great deal of forward-moving energy and attention to nuance. Fortunately, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande under the direction of Marek Janowski does not fall into this trap. The first movement is very driven. The fateful three-note motive, presented in all its permutations of augmentation and diminution, is kept interesting and is highlighted even when it may otherwise be obscured by other material. The second-movement Allegretto is quite graceful with admirable consideration of dynamics. The cyclical Finale is still able of maintaining the listeners interest by never losing momentum and making clear the return of motives and themes from the previous two movements.

“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)

'Marek Janowski gives us what must be one of the finest accounts of the Franck masterpiece since Beecham and Monteux.' (The Penguin Guide)

Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Marek Janowski, Conductor

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