GRIEG: Music for String Orchestra

Barratt-Due, Stephan, Oslo Camerata

8.557890

The Oslo Camerata is a small group of just 19 players. Jarvi employs a much larger ensemble, presumably the entire string complement of the Estonian Philharmonic. Thus the strings produce a richer and creamier sound on Virgin. Naxos mikes the Oslo Camerata very closely, and you can almost feel the spray of the resin as the players dig in to the music with unabashed enthusiasm.
Virgin places its microphones farther back in the hall, resulting in a warmer, more resonant sound that perfectly complements Jarvi's symphonic conception of the score. Barratt-Due's tempos are considerably faster than Jarvi's, especially in II and V. The rhythms are crisp and invariably animated by the spirit of the dance. Jarvi rounds his phrases more gently, and the music flows serenely. In place of Barratt-Due's irrepressible energy, Jarvi stresses the vocal quality of Grieg's writing. The Estonian strings rise to the occasion, often sounding like an ideal, ethereal choir. But Jarvi's low-key. I would benefit from a dose of Barratt-Due's vigor, whereas Barratt-Due's breakneck finale needs some of Jarvi's breadth and genial warmth. Barratt-Due also rushes through the two Elegiac Melodies, slighting the emotions.
The Oslo Camerata fills out its program with a delightful collection of little-known arrangements for string ensemble of several Grieg songs and piano pieces. There are no neglected masterpieces here. Indeed, I was reminded strongly of Debussy's comment that Grieg's miniatures were nothing more than "bonbons filled with snow". Titles such as 'Cow Call' and 'Peasant Dance' give you some idea of what to expect. Perhaps the most familiar is 'At the Cradle'-No. 2 from the Opus 68 collection of Lyric Pieces, originally for piano. Grieg's transcription is quite lovely and touching. The program concludes with touching performance of 'Ase's Death' from Peer Gynt.
The Naxos disc is short- just under 52 minutes. Surely other similar material could have been found to make a full-length program. Petri Sakari, for example, recorded a remarkable transcription for strings and harp of 'Erotik' from the Opus 43 Lyric Pieces on Chandos. Still, this new recording is worth having, particularly in light of the low cost, vivid sound, and excellent playing. • American Record Guide, December 2006

CD x 1

Naxos

6/14/06

747313289028