Giuseppe Martucci - Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 (Kees Bakels)

Information

Composer: Giuseppe Martucci

• Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 75
• Symphony No. 2 in F major, Op. 81

Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra

Kees Bakels, conductor

Date: 2003

Label: BIS

-----------------------------------------------------------

Review

That Giuseppe Martucci wrote symphonies at all is remarkable given his rearing in the primarily vocal Italian musical culture of the 19th century. But the works themselves are especially striking for their decidedly Germanic sound, style, and temperament. Symphony No. 1 wears its Wagnerian colors proudly, beginning with a first movement that quickly brings to mind the Flying Dutchman, while the remaining movements variously evoke Tannhäuser as well as Schumann and Brahms (in the scherzo). Overall it’s an engaging work, with vibrant energy in the outer movements and fetching melodic content throughout.

With its echoes of Stenhammar (Symphony No. 1), Martucci’s Second Symphony takes us farther north into Scandinavia. The Second is the more accomplished and individual of these two symphonies, with its highly organic thematic development and its rich and distinctively brass-enhanced orchestration (the first movement’s octave motif is particularly compelling). And although this time around the melodic material is less memorable (there are precious few tunes, especially in the finale), Martucci’s developmental process–as well as the overall orchestral sound–is quite affecting.

Kees Bakels’ powerful and persuasive performances with the Malaysian Philharmonic (the brass playing is singled out for special mention) make these symphonies sound like true neglected masterpieces, making a strong case for Martucci’s revival. BIS’ recording sounds a bit opaque compared to the label’s usual ringing clarity, but it has satisfying impact nonetheless.

— Victor Carr Jr

-----------------------------------------------------------

Giuseppe Martucci (6 January 1856 – 1 June 1909) was an Italian composer, conductor, pianist and teacher. A prodigy from Capua, he studied at the Naples Conservatory from age 11 and was trained in composition by Paolo Serrao. His international career began with a European tour in 1875. Martucci held teaching positions in Naples and Bologna, and became director of the Royal Conservatory in Naples in 1902. He dedicated his entire career to absolute music, which was notable among Italian composers of his era. His works include instrumental music, songs, and the oratorio Samuel, but no operas.

***

Kees Bakels (born 14 January 1945 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch conductor. He studied conducting at the Amsterdam Conservatory and the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena. He has worked extensively as a guest conductor and held key positions with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra and Netherlands Radio Symphony. He served as principal guest conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for a decade, recording Vaughan Williams' symphonies for Naxos. Bakels was Music Director of the Victoria Symphony (1998–2002) and the first Music Director of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (1997–2005).

-----------------------------------------------------------