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Eybler: Symphonies 1 & 2 - Hofstetter

Eybler: Symphonies 1 & 2 - Hofstetter

CPO  777 104-2

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Orchestral


Joseph Eybler: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2, Overture

L'Orchestra de Chambre de Geneve
Michael Hofstetter (conductor)

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Review by Graham Williams - March 25, 2006

In this Mozart anniversary year it is refreshing to find a recording of two symphonies by a composer commended for his talent by Mozart himself.

Most of the considerable output of Joseph Eybler (1765-1846) has long been forgotten, and if his name is known at all it is for being asked by Constanze to complete Mozart’s Requiem, a task that he felt unable to complete and eventually handed over to Süssmayr.

The only two symphonies Eybler wrote were composed around the 1780s and are delightful discovery both for the freshness of their themes and orchestration.

Both symphonies are played here with great liveliness and style by Michael Hofstetter and L’Orchestre de Chambre de Genève on modern instruments, but with more than a ‘period’ feel. Horns and trumpets have a good rasping sound and timpani are particularly clear and incisive throughout.

The Symphony No. 1 is clearly Haydnesque whereas the more dramatic five movement (two minuets) D minor symphony moves us closer to the world of early Beethoven. What is particularly engaging in both these works is the woodwind writing, bassoons in particular – just try the first minuet of Symphony No. 2 with its pizzicato strings – and you will be hooked.
The disc is completed by an exciting Overture in a similar style, but the booklet unaccountably provides no information on its provenance.

The recording, made in the familiar and sympathetic acoustic of the Salle de Musique, La Chaux-de Fonds, Switzerland, is quite closely balanced and allows Eybler’s felicitous wind writing to be heard to maximum advantage. The surround sound adds a tangible presence and gives a lovely bloom to the orchestra.

Highly recommended.

Copyright © 2006 Graham Williams and HRAudio.net

Performance:

Sonics (Multichannel):

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