This is a respectable if not especially compelling set of Berwald symphonies; David Montgomery’s moderate tempos and tidy phrasing do a decent job of presenting the music. However, Neeme Järvi (whose high-profile DG set is now available at similar bargain pricing) has a swift and energetic way with these works that imparts a welcome sense of modernity (his Symphony No. 3 is particularly engaging throughout, while the first movement of No. 2 brings Nielsen to mind).
Montgomery’s renditions are solidly planted in the 19th century, just one plot over from Schumann. This in itself is not a bad thing, but such an approach reveals little of the composer’s formal and stylistic innovation. Montgomery’s slower pacing and attention to color and timbre does reveal some details brushed over by Järvi in his excitement (No. 1’s scherzo sounds more fully-fleshed in the present recording), but some listeners may find this small compensation for the overall feeling of placidity.
The Jena Philharmonic offers earnest and precise playing, though this too sounds prosaic next to the Gothenberg Symphony’s polished virtuosity. Recorded sound is rich and vivid. But, there’s better Berwald to be had at full price: Sixten Ehrling’s excellent performances on BIS are in a class by themselves, combining Montgomery’s level of detail with Järvi’s rhythmic energy, all in fabulous sound. [6/12/2006]
