Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25, “Classical” (1917)
Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959)
Sinfonietta No. 1 “In Memory of Mozart”, W115 (1916)
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)
Sinfonietta, FP 141 (1947)
ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien/Simone Menezes
rec. 2025, ORF Funkhaus, Vienna
Reviewed as lossless download
Fuga Libera FUG868 [64]

In the last few months, I’ve reviewed quite a few recordings that left me less than satisfied, by either the music or the performances (in at least one case both), so it is a pleasure to report that this recording is very enjoyable in all respects.

Firstly, the inspired choice of three works, each with neo-Classical roots, only one of which is in the standard repertoire, Prokofiev’s delightful Haydn tribute as his Conservatorium graduation work. Villa-Lobos’s Sinfonietta is also an early(ish) work, inspired by Mozart, rather than an attempt to recreate his soundworld, while the Poulenc is from his later years, and arguably his most impressive orchestral work. The three works have stylistic connections, but are quite different – very intelligent programming.

I was immediately reminded how enjoyable the Prokofiev is, and that I should listen to it more often. When I have listened to it in the past, it has been Karajan’s Berlin recording on DG (review), which has always delighted. Menezes begins well, and I found myself preferring his less rushed approach to the opening movement. However, that slower tempo carries over into the Larghetto, where it feels a little heavy compared to Karajan. The Gavotte finds Menezes quicker than Karajan, and to the new recording’s advantage. The timpani is very prominent in the final movement, and it is more than a little distracting. Indeed, the crescendos that punctuate this movement are very loud, a little too much so. My overall conclusion is that Menezes compares pretty well with Karajan, praise indeed.

The Villa-Lobos is certainly the least known of the three works – this is only its third recording – and definitely worth investigating. It doesn’t sound anything like Mozart, though the opening of the first movement is supposed to have a connection to the overture from The Marriage of Figaro, which I can hear (sort of).My comparison is the cpo recording from its excellent symphony cycle with Carl St Clair leading the SWR Stuttgart Orchestra, and this led immediately to some puzzlement. The two recordings have totally different tempo notations for the three movements. The cpo has the three movements as Allegro giusto – Andante non troppo – Andantino which accords with the score on IMSLP, whereas this new recording (from a different publisher) shows Allegro – Lento – Allegro moderato.

It is even more puzzling when and when Menezes takes two minutes less on his Lento than St Clair with his Andante non troppo, and his Allegro moderato is slightly slower than St Clair’s Andantino. I do think that Menezes’s quicker reading of the slower movement works better – this isn’t music that has twelve minutes in it. Otherwise, the two performances are neck and neck, with the new recording having a clearer, more detailed sound.

Poulenc’s Sinfonietta is the expected mix of beautiful melodies, unexpected outbursts and jaunty, occasionally jazzy rhythms. My comparison is the highly regarded Decca recording with the French National Orchestra and Charles Dutoit. Menezes matches this pretty well for the first three movements, catching all the changing Poulenc moods, but in the Très vite et très gai finale, he is nowhere near as fast or lively as Dutoit.

I’m not sure where the ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien fits in the pecking order of Viennese orchestras – I’m assuming the VPO is top – but I was very impressed by their playing, which is smooth, lithe and vigorous as required. The recording quality is very good, certainly better than my comparisons, while the booklet notes, contributed by the conductor, concentrate on the music, and are a little over-descriptive.

While none of these performances may displace your favourites, though it’s unlikely that you will have a favourite for the Villa-Lobos anyway, each is very good in its own right, and the album is a delightful way to spend an hour.

David Barker

Buying this recording via the link below generates revenue for MWI, which helps the site remain free