Wolf-Ferrari’s life (1876-1948) and career lasted almost exactly as long as that of Richard Strauss, and like his more famous contemporary he wrote a series of wind concertos in a charming but self-consciously regressive style. There are three in total, one each for oboe, bassoon, and English horn, and they do not deserve their neglect. In particular, the Idillio-Concerto for oboe and small orchestra has immense charm, and for my money is finer that Strauss’ piece for the same solo instrument. The Suite-Concertino for bassoon also is full of happy inspiration, especially given the dearth of good music for this stepchild of the woodwind family. The late-period Concertino for English horn may just have a bit too much autumnal reverie, but when the textures are so lucid and the melodies so sweet (but not tacky) it’s difficult to complain.
None of these works is particularly virtuosic, but that doesn’t mean that they play themselves. Diego Dini Ciacci has a mellow tone on both oboe and English horn that never fatigues the ear (which is saying a lot), while bassoonist Paolo Carlini summons an unusually wide range of expressive timbres from his normally recalcitrant instrument. The Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto, familiar from many fine releases on the Arts label, plays with more than the necessary warmth and precision, and the sonics are excellent. This is a very enjoyable disc of unchallenging but still unconventional music, and I can recommend it without hesitation. [12/19/2007]
