The three symphonies on this disc have brought little in common at first point: on one side, the two symphonies of Carl Maria von Weber, contemporary of Beethoven; on the other, the Symphony essay Richard Wagner turned like this to push to revolutionize opera. Yet these three symphonies reflect the emergence of a genre, the romantic symphony. We can start with the Weber symphonies. These are pleasant works, animated from a undeniable, well written, but who have neither the scale nor the inspiration of Freischütz; the second is distinguished by its brevity. After the hearing, no theme is not really holding it especially distinguish the slow movement of the Second Symphony, quite charming. The style remains in line with the eighteenth century. The symphony Wagner is a more ambitious work; the slow introduction to the first movement already looking towards youth openings, with great solemnity. The slow movement is promising, with a use of wind that is then end up in the most successful orchestral works of Wagner. The scherzo is nice and voluntary. The final is a tribute to Beethoven. This symphony somehow makes the bridge between the 1820s and the great romantic symphonies of the years 1830-1840, and if it is less "personal" than the openings of Wagner, it suggests here and there intonations, orchestral colors will wonder later. So this record shows the evolution of the symphony that seeks to redefine itself after the massive legacies of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert Weber remains a classic and concise diagram where Wagner gradually draft style. Interpretation and decision prove very honest. It's a small drive that listening with interest.
