This disc certainly earns a “10” in the following categories: “useless duplication of repertoire”; “regional pigeon-holing of conductor” (the “national pigeon-holing” prize goes to Oramo’s Sibelius disc); and “finding something for the CBSO to do that Simon Rattle didn’t”. Musically, alas, it’s merely okay. Oramo doesn’t respond to the first Peer Gynt suite at all well. He plays “Ase’s Death” with excessive legato, making it sound a mite dull however beautiful the sheer sound of the strings, while “In the Hall of the Mountain King” seriously lacks energy and excitement. The second suite goes better, though, and In Autumn very well indeed, but the Symphonic Dances suffer from a certain rhythmic slackness (in No. 2) and lack of tempo contrast (in No. 4). Good sound, but really, who cares?
