Debussy’s ubiquitous Ibéria opens the program, perhaps as an appetizer for the less familiar Turina works. Jesús López-Cobos takes a swift and breezy approach, leaving little time for lingering on the more atmospheric and evocative passages. This bracing account is made all the more so thanks to stunning playing from the Cincinnati Symphony, particularly in the opening “Par les rues et par les chemins”.
López-Cobos relaxes a little for Turina’s Danzas Fantàsticas, Procesión del Rocio, and Sinfonia Sevillana, but he still turns in fiery and colorful renditions that compete directly with Antonio de Almeida’s Bamberg Symphony performances on RCA. Almeida’s long experience with Turina, which shows in innumerable interpretive touches, marks him as an authority in this music, making his recording the prime recommendation. But the Cincinnati players provide a strong challenge to their German counterparts in terms of virtuosity and verve (listen to the wonderful flourishes at the start of La Procesión). López-Cobos’ previous Danzas Fantasticas from 1983 on Decca (never issued in the U.S.), is more or less the same interpretively, though not as well-played or recorded. Which brings us to Telarc’s powerfully dynamic DSD recording: it sounds best at higher volume settings, but beware those room-filling tuttis! [11/30/2001]
