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Fuchs: Serenades No 3, 4 And 5 / Christian Ludwig, Cologne Chamber Orchestra

Fuchs / Cologne Chamber Orch / Ludwig
Release Date: 04/24/2012 
Label:  Naxos   Catalog #: 8572607   Spars Code: DDD 
Composer:  Robert Fuchs
Conductor:  Christian Ludwig
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Cologne Chamber Orchestra
Number of Discs: 1 
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Notes and Editorial Reviews


This second disc concludes Naxos’ survey of Robert Fuchs’ complete serenades, and it’s just as delightful as the first. Serenade No. 3, for strings, features an irresistibly catchy third-movement march, and a fiery finale in the Hungarian style. The Fourth Serenade, in five movements, adds horns to the basic string scoring, and was a favorite of Brahms. All of the works feature a movement described as “grazioso”, but the Allegretto grazioso of this piece particularly lives up to its title. The Fifth Serenade calls for a small wind ensemble in addition to strings and horns, and has an unforgettably witty finale in which the players seem to want to play the waltz from Die Fledermaus, but can’t quite Read more remember how it goes, so they dance on with their own slightly tipsy tune (sound sample below). A footnote in the score assures us that Fuchs got permission from Strauss Jr’s original publisher to borrow the tunes.

As with the first disc in this series, the performances are as perfect as we have any right to ask. Christian Ludwig paces each piece with an unerring feel for the music’s often balletic grace, while the slow movements never bog down in cloying sentiment. The Cologne Chamber Orchestra plays with clean rhythms, excellent intonation, and (in the latter works) notably transparent balances between strings and winds. The German Radio engineering is typically excellent. Don’t let the “lightness” of the genre fool you. This is music of very high quality. It bears repetition well, and will charm you and your musical friends for years to come. It deserves a place in every serious collection.

-- ClassicsToday.com
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Works on This Recording

1.
Serenade no 5 for small Orchestra in D major, Op. 53 by Robert Fuchs
Conductor:  Christian Ludwig
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Cologne Chamber Orchestra
Period: Romantic 
Written: circa 1895; Germany 
2.
Serenade for Strings no 3 in E minor, Op. 21 by Robert Fuchs
Conductor:  Christian Ludwig
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Cologne Chamber Orchestra
Period: Romantic 
Written: by 1878; Germany 
3.
Serenade no 4 for Strings and 2 Horns in G minor, Op. 51 by Robert Fuchs
Conductor:  Christian Ludwig
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Cologne Chamber Orchestra
Period: Romantic 
Written: circa 1895; Germany 

Sound Samples

Serenade No. 3 in E minor, Op. 21: I. Romanze: Andante sostenuto
Serenade No. 3 in E minor, Op. 21: II. Menuetto
Serenade No. 3 in E minor, Op. 21: III. Allegretto grazioso
Serenade No. 3 in E minor, Op. 21: IV. Finale alla Zingarese: Allegro con fuoco
Serenade No. 4 in G minor, Op. 51: I. Andante sostenuto
Serenade No. 4 in G minor, Op. 51: II. Allegretto grazioso
Serenade No. 4 in G minor, Op. 51: III. Menuett: Moderato amabile
Serenade No. 4 in G minor, Op. 51: IV. Adagio
Serenade No. 4 in G minor, Op. 51: V. Finale: Allegro con fuoco
Serenade No. 5 in D major, Op. 53: I. Adagio con espressione
Serenade No. 5 in D major, Op. 53: II. Allegro grazioso
Serenade No. 5 in D major, Op. 53: III. Allegretto amabile
Serenade No. 5 in D major, Op. 53: IV. Finale: Allegro vivace

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review:  ( 2 Customer Reviews )
 Outstanding In Every Respect May 24, 2014 By Henry S. (Springfield, VA) See All My Reviews "I agree wholeheartedly with Wil L. W.'s comments. Robert Fuchs was a composer whose works have shamefully fallen out of the classical mainstream these days. After listening to this wonderful recording, containing 3 superbly constructed serenades, the term 'shamefully' seems apropos, because these serenades truly deserve a place in the modern repertoire. The structural format of these works is a perfect illustration of the sophistication and organizational excellence of late Romantic Era European music. Indeed, one could easily mistake Fuchs' writing for small chamber orchestras (which is what these serenades are) with that of Brahms, giving you some idea of the artistic merit of Fuchs' music. The Cologne Chamber Orchestra delivers a sharp, focused reading under the baton of Christian Ludwig, and the overall effect is simply outstanding. I highly recommend this superb recording." Report Abuse
 Fuchs' Serenades -- A Real Winner! August 2, 2012 By W. Wilborn (Richwood, TX) See All My Reviews "Engaging, accessible Romantic music that deserves to be better known and more performed. This program features great playing and fine sonics with the bonus of the Naxos low price. Highly recommended." Report Abuse
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