This disc deserves consideration on account of a smashing performance of Leó Weiner’s otherwise unavailable Hungarian Folkdance Suite, an extensive four-movement work of symphonic dimensions full of great tunes clothed in colorful orchestration. Hungarian Sketches is minor Bartók, and no performance matches Fritz Reiner’s classic version with the Chicago Symphony on RCA. As for the Enescu, Neeme Järvi’s plodding, unidiomatic performances lack even the merit of tight ensemble. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s sloppy strings certainly could use a few Gypsy fiddlers in their midst! Compare these to Silvestri’s Czech Philharmonic performances, recently reissued on Supraphon in better balanced albeit mono sound, and it’s obvious just how far Järvi stands outside the idiom. If the Weiner interests you, go for it. Otherwise, this one’s a pass. [9/23/2000]
