This disc contains one of Enescu’s first “official” works (as a prodigy he was writing symphonies in his early teens), the wonderfully evocative Romanian Poem, and one of his last, Vox Maris. Both are evocative nature pieces, though in different ways. The earlier work reveals the strong influence of Romantic Nationalism and folk music, while in the latter these have been fully sublimated into a curiously elusive, haunting, personal language. Voix de la Nature is the only surviving movement of larger work, left incomplete at the composer’s death. Performances of this music are so rare that it’s poor praise to say that these are the best versions readily available. They are excellent by any standard. Enescu’s music is extremely difficult to perform, and whatever the “George Enescu” Orchestra may lack in sheer finesse it more than makes up for in style (it had better!). Cristian Mandeal is a talented conductor generally (his Brahms for this label was surprisingly good), and the sonics are also quite fine. Essential for all Enescutians. [6/7/2007]
