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CD Review
François-Joseph Gossec
Four Symphonies
- Symphony in C Major
- Symphony
- Sinfonia périodique a più strumenti in D Major
- Simphonie de chasse in D Major
Orchestre de Bretagne/Stefan Sanderling
Academy Sound & Vision DCA1123 66m DDD
Gossec is another of those composers who have recently been rediscovered as one of the major discoveries of the late 18th century. These four symphonies have a certain finesse and vitality that is quite infectious especially in the lovely Symphony in C whose opening movement lasts all of eight minutes. There are two four-movement symphonies for period instruments and a delightful 'Hunt Symphony', which includes the obligatory Finale in that mode. One is perplexed to note the anonymity of many of these composers who constantly poured out symphonies of the highest quality. All the works are entertaining and vivacious and one can almost compare them to more exalted essays by Haydn and Mozart. The recording is clear and thrilling focused with the Orchestre de Bretagne clearly relishing Sanderling's fast tempi that are admirably suited to such works. A heartfelt recommendation of this disc to all who are interested in this particular symphonic period.
Copyright © 2002, Gerald Fenech
