What’s not to like? This is all lovely music, and the performances are excellent. The three outstanding items are Grieg’s Holberg Suite, Wíren’s still too-rarely-heard but nevertheless wonderful Serenade for Strings, and Sibelius’ equally elusive (at least in concert) Rakastava (“The Lover”). All three are immaculately played, and while it’s also nice to hear the Grieg done by a really large string section, with Marriner’s crack ensemble (not to be confused with an ensemble on crack), whatever the music may lack in sheer weight and sonority it more than gains in rhythmic snap and textural clarity.
The other really attractive aspect to this compilation is the alternation of lively pieces like Nielsen’s Little Suite with more wistful numbers like Sibelius’ Valse Triste or Grieg’s Elegiac Melodies. So many (mostly) string orchestral releases wallow in droopy sentimentality, but this selection offers plenty of contrasting high spirits as well. Consistently fine sonics put the icing on the cake. This lovely disc deserves a home in any collection; it will please both casual and serious listeners alike. [11/29/2006]
