The more I hear of Louise Farrenc’s music the more I like it. Paris-born Farrenc (1804-75) composed three Symphonies, the two here are both in four movements. Farrenc wasn’t a musical advancer, a boundary-breaker, and one can hear traces of Mendelssohn, Schubert and Schumann; the latter was an admirer of Farrenc’s music, as was Berlioz, yet she evokes numerous distinct emotions, has a particular melodic gift, and is an impressive orchestrator.
The First Symphony (C-minor, Opus 32) has a dark slow introduction leading to a dramatic first movement, then a rather lovely Adagio, a terse Minuet with a light-filled Trio, and a resounding Finale. Symphony 3 (G-minor, Opus 36) trips along beguilingly, the slow movement is an eloquent song-without-words, the Scherzo (not a Minuet this time) is feverishly driven, and the Finale journeys with confidence to a satisfying conclusion.
Laurence Equilbey and her period-instrument Insula orchestra do Farrenc’s music proud – sympathetic, shapely, lively, with personable and fruity woodwind solos (instruments Farrenc writes especially well for), and the timpani have vivid presence. The recording is excellent in terms of clarity and impact.
With the BBC’s ongoing support for this composer things are looking up indeed. I have enjoyed everything I have heard so far. Never too late to acknowledge a composer with a real message.
Bravo.