As time goes on, it becomes increasingly clear that Malipiero was a very inconsistent composer. Most of the works here are recording premieres, and with the exception of the timbrally interesting, quasi-Stravinskian Grottesco of 1918 and the light and fluffy Armenia, the three remaining works sound much the same. The Sinfonia degli eroi (Symphony of Heroes) has some very pretty spots and a few moments of portentous brass writing, but there’s nothing especially heroic about it.
Similarly, beyond a general moodiness, there’s nothing obviously tragic about the Ditirambo tragico of 1917, or intensely evocative about Dai sepolcri (From the Tombs). Indeed, whatever came out of the tombs, it wasn’t particularly dark at all. What we get in all three cases is plenty of romantic melancholy, some overtly emotional string cantilenas, and a touch of atmospherics in the form of bass drum rolls and other sound effects. There is form, in the sense of repetition of important motives, but none of it seems to be motivated by any dramatic necessity. It’s kind of like unadventurous film music: effective, but somewhat generic.
The performances here sound surprisingly confident. There’s no question that the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra is not a first rate ensemble, particularly the string section, and the sonics are a bit boxy, but conductor Amaury du Closel does a good job keeping the group together and the music moving smartly forward. Certainly the playing and conducting have the necessary conviction, and I’m not sure that a more obviously virtuosic orchestra would have made much difference in one’s impression of the music. Collectors might enjoy giving this a shot.