Who knew? Aside from his theoretical and pedagogical work, Émile Jaques-Dalcroze was a composer of considerable ability and, most unusually, he had quite a musical sense of humor. The Thirteen Little Variations on “La Suisse est belle” are full of funny moments, not the least of which is the concluding Marche philistine. Similarly, the Suite de danses and Suite de ballet overflow with insouciant wit, particularly the latter’s concluding waltz, while the Poème alpestre paints its nature imagery as well as just about anyone in the mid-1890s could. The Moscow Symphony Orchestra under Adriano does much better than its somewhat unremarkable average in bringing this music to life. Jaques-Dalcroze’s writing for brass and strings can be tricky, but these players get through it all with relative aplomb and no small degree of character. Sterling’s sonics, a touch studio-bound, are vivid and impactful. In its modest way, this is an interesting and worthwhile release of good, collectible music. Don’t hesitate.
