BBC Philharmonic & Vassily Sinaisky - Schreker: Orchestral Works, Vol. 1 (2022) [Hi-Res]

Sumptuously performed and unflinchingly recorded, this collection will be seized on by Schreker enthusiasts, who will enjoy every massively scored climax, every gorgeously coloured, embroidered and encrusted texture. Those who are only Schreker enthusiasts north-north-west may need to be warned that the climaxes are pretty frequent and that the textures are in constant flux. Listening to this programme uninterrupted is recommended only to addicts; others may wonder whether Schreker isn't repeating himself. All are operatic preludes or entr'actes (from Die Gezeichneten, Der Schatzgräber and Derferne Klang respectively), and all serve similar functions: to represent in a darkened auditorium erotic acts or emotions that could scarcely be represented on a stage. The Valse lente is balletic light music, softly and delicately scored. Ekkehard is a tone-poem about a monk who falls in love with a Duchess and goes to war to defend her: each of these aspects has its own theme, and they're turbulently developed before a peaceful conclusion on Ekkehard's 'monastic' melody over a palpable organ pedal. No programme is stated for the Fantastic Overture, but it approaches the three big dramatic pieces in richness. Not many composers demand quite so much of a vast orchestra as Schreker, and Sinaisky and his orchestra amply fulfil those demands. — Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010