WALTER BRAUNFELS (1882-1954): Phantastische Erscheinungen über ein Thema von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25 (First Complete Recording - the 9th “Appearance” was omitted from the 2005 cpo release), Sinfonia brevis, Op. 69.

Description: Second recording of the 51-minute Berlioz orchestral spectacular from 1914-17, a huge canvas for Braunfels' musical experimentation, into which he also plainly pours much personal experience - the tenth through twelfth of the “Appearances” apparently refer to the composer's experiences during World War I. Also the second recording of the 1949 symphony, a four-movement, 33-minute work completely tonal but full of anxiety, anger and discord, the shades of Richard Strauss and, especially Mahler and Bruckner constantly flitting around this compelling and often electrifying cri de cœur. Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz; Gregor Bühl.