Rózsa (3) Hungarian Sketches
Four colourful works from the Hungarian plains – including a premiere recording
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Miklós Rózsa
Genre:
Orchestral
Label: Naxos
Magazine Review Date: 6/2011
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 57
Mastering:
Stereo
DDD
Catalogue Number: 8 572285

Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Overture to a Symphony Concert |
Miklós Rózsa, Composer
Budapest MAV Symphony Orchestra Mariusz Smolij, Conductor Miklós Rózsa, Composer |
Rhapsody |
Miklós Rózsa, Composer
Budapest MAV Symphony Orchestra Mariusz Smolij, Conductor Mark Kosower, Cello Miklós Rózsa, Composer |
Hungarian Nocturne |
Miklós Rózsa, Composer
Budapest MAV Symphony Orchestra Mariusz Smolij, Conductor Miklós Rózsa, Composer |
(3) Hungarian Sketches |
Miklós Rózsa, Composer
Budapest MAV Symphony Orchestra Mariusz Smolij, Conductor Miklós Rózsa, Composer |
Author: Guy Rickards
Mariusz Smolij elicits fine playing from his musicians, though, in the superb Hungarian Sketches (1938, here in their revised form from the late 1950s), their orchestral style tends more to the cinematic than did the BBC Philharmonic, which has the tauter, more refined ensemble. Although the composer disavowed any programme for Overture to a Symphony Concert (1956, rev 1963), this darkly impressive piece owes much of its atmosphere to the events of the Hungarian Uprising. By contrast, the Hungarian Nocturne (1963) is more reserved in tone, a fine nature poem, largely (and uncharacteristically) quiet for much of its 10‑minute span.
The performances, if a touch syrupy in tone, are well articulated and more than serviceable. Naxos’s sound is typically clear, albeit without the warmth of Chandos. If I had to recommend a single disc of Rózsa’s orchestral pieces I would still plump for Gamba’s – not least for the magnificent Tripartita – but, that said, this Naxos disc is a bargain at the price.
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