There’s only one small disappointment on this otherwise very entertaining disc–Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1, which is insufficiently contrasted between fast sections and slow, lacking the necessary fire. Elsewhere, Charles Dutoit and his fine orchestra have a blast. The Liszt, Dvorák, and Alfven rhapsodies have plenty of color, with woodwind parts given a little extra prominence in the mix, all to the good. For my money, the real gem (and rarity) in this collection is Glazunov’s Rhapsodie orientale, a gorgeous five-movement chunk of orchestral exotica that ought to be a repertory item. Here Dutoit really lets go, whipping the final bacchanal into an exciting frenzy. It really makes you wonder why this piece is never, ever, ever heard on regular concert programs. Excellent sound, aptly bright, rounds out a collection that will certainly give great pleasure. [6/24/2005]
