Jean-Jacques Kantorow & Tapiola Sinfonietta - Weber: Overtures (2011)

The overtures of early Romantic composer Carl Maria von Weber are among his most appealing works, and their colorful orchestration, vivid scene-painting, and abundant tunefulness have made them favorite concert openers, long after most of their associated operas dropped out of the repertoire. This generous bybrid SACD by the Tapiola Sinfonietta, conducted by Jean-Jacques Kantorow, presents the most popular overtures -- Oberon, Euryanthe, and Der Freischütz -- with seven less famous but equally engaging pieces that fill out the program. Kantorow strives for a highly theatrical quality in his interpretations, so the music always has an air of expectancy and the orchestra's dynamic playing really conjures up the exciting feeling of an operatic performance.The DSD and multichannel sound is a real plus for this music, giving the orchestral parts definition and presence, and the finer points of articulation and expression come across with great clarity. Highly recommended. -- Blair Sanderson