Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos’ justly admired Carmina Burana has held up well over the years, and with good reason. It’s well sung, with heartfelt and soulful performances by the four vocal soloists and stirring contributions from the New Philharmonia and Wandsworth School Boys choruses. Frühbeck de Burgos’ conducting is both vital and sensitive, even if it lacks the imagination and verve demonstrated by Jochum, Blomstedt, and Runnicles. For its part, the New Philharmonia Orchestra delivers a stylish and vigorous performance, while EMI’s recording skillfully balances all the assembled forces, though not without intermittent distortion due to tape saturation.
After the heaviness of Carmina Burana’s grand ending, the Stravinsky pieces have the effect of a light, sugary dessert followed by a sour aperitif. Frühbeck de Burgos proves equally adept at the early Fireworks and the radically different Circus Polka, the latter of which boasts particularly crisp, clean-rhythmed playing from the Philharmonia. Although this is not a first choice for the Orff, overall it’s a worthwhile offering, especially at budget price. [3/4/2003]
