This “on demand” reissue from Arkivmusic.com offers bright and bubbly performances of an odd but curiously apt coupling. Both works are neoclassical in style as well as rich in humor. Mata’s performance of the Strauss has none of the usual Viennese “flagellated cream” (as Hoffnung put it). Rather, the playing is sharp-edged and the conducting rhythmically precise, particularly in the extended finale. Textures are extremely clear, and balances favor the winds and percussion. It’s a very different take on the work, and one that offsets the all-strings Wirén Serenade quite well. Playing time is only a bit more than 50 minutes, and the early digital sonics aren’t entirely free from glare, but this is a very enjoyable recording, yet another worthy memento of the late Eduardo Mata. I was very pleasantly surprised, and if the coupling suits, you will be too.
