Orchestral works, soprano shine in musical pairings

CHRISTINE BREWER, SOPRANO, DONALD RUNNICLES, CONDUCTOR, ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA; Wagner: Prelude and "Liebestod," Strauss: "Tod und Verklarung" and "Four Last Songs" (Telarc) *** 1/2

Pairing the Lutoslawski and Bartok Concertos for Orchestra is a genial idea. Both are dynamic works that showcase the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra effectively.

The two works were written a little more than a decade apart (Lutoslawski's is from 1954, while Bartok wrote his in 1943). And while there are some similarities in each, the two concertos are in many ways miles apart stylistically.

Lutoslawski's is clearly the more dazzling work, in which all sections of the orchestra are spotlighted. And while Bartok has also written a virtuoso piece for orchestra, his concerto is the more emotive and moving of the two.

Darker and richer textured, Bartok's concerto is filled with dynamic contrasts that aren't present in Lutoslawski's work. Jarvi and his Cincinnati Symphony give outstanding readings of these two pieces.

The playing is crisp, with clean entrances. Jarvi elicits a superbly crafted performance from his ensemble in the Lutoslawski, while bringing insight to the Bartok.

Wagner and Richard Strauss also make a natural musical pairing. On Telarc's other new album, Donald Runnicles offers a wonderfully balanced program by these two composers.

Joining Runnicles and the Atlanta Symphony is soprano Christine Brewer who gives a rapturous performance of the "Liebestod" from Wagner's opera "Tristan und Isolde" and a wonderfully sensitive interpretation of Strauss' "Four Last Songs."

Brewer's richly expressive voice is well-suited for this music, and she adds eloquence and subtle expression to the two works. Runnicles is a fine collaborator here. His perceptive direction lets Brewer shine.

E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com