Andrés Isasi - Symphony No. 2; Suite No. 2 (Juanjo Mena)

Information

Composer: Andrés Isasi

• Symphony No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 23
• Suite No. 2 in E Major, Op. 21

Bilbao Symphony Orchestra

Juanjo Mena, conductor

Date: 2004

Label: Naxos

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Review

Spanish composer Andrés Isasi (1890-1940) studied with Engelbert Humperdinck and writes in a warm, Straussian style tinged with modal and impressionist elements (in such places as the scherzo of the symphony). It’s pretty and mellifluous, and also somewhat amorphous and lacking in spontaneity. However, it would be wrong to suggest that Isasi doesn’t have a distinctive voice: clearly he does. Both works sound as if cut from the same cloth, and both end similarly, with sonorous chords for full orchestra topped off by a last riff in the piccolos. The use of muted trumpets and bassoons also catches hints of Ravel in the scherzo and finale of the symphony, while the conservative but always colorful orchestration consistently engages the ear (particularly in the central Burleske of the Suite). Harmonically, Isasi never goes much beyond, say, early Korngold or Schrecker: his style is basically diatonic.

The Bilbao Symphony could use more weight in the strings and a bit more confidence from the brass, but they play quite well, with plenty of color and detail and good balance between sections. The recording, like the music, is just a little lacking in impact, but there’s something curiously attractive about Isasi, and if you like the turn-of-the-century Romantic school, this novelty will make a noteworthy addition to your collection.

— David Hurwitz

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Andrés Isasi (29 October 1890 – 6 April 1940) was a Spanish composer. Born in Bilbao, he moved to Berlin in 1909 to study with Karl Kämpf and Humperdinck, developing skill in large-scale musical forms, especially the symphonic poem. His works, which found more appreciation in Hungary and Germany than in Spain, shows strong Basque influences and solid academic training. Isasi composed two symphonies, several orchestral suites and symphonic poems, a Piano Concerto, chamber works including eight string quartets, and many songs. He died of a heart condition in 1940 at his home in Algorta.

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Juanjo Mena (born 21 September 1965 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain) is a Spanish conductor. He began his music studies at the Vitoria-Gasteiz Conservatory, and later attended the Madrid Royal Conservatory. He also studied conducting with Sergiu Celibidache in Munich. Mena was artistic director and principal conductor of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra (from 1999 to 2008), chief conductor of the BBC Philharmonic (from 2011 to 2018), and principal conductor of the Cincinnati May Festival (from 2017 to 2023). He has commercially recorded for Naxos Records and the Chandos label.

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