Divertimento, Op. 86, nach François Couperin

Deutsche Grammophon 435871-2
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (1991)

More Couperin via Strauss and not, as a Schwann Opus reference misleads, the same as the Tanzsuite aus Couperin. Strauss succeeds far more than in the earlier work. The scoring lets in a great deal of light, although only one movement (the fourth, "Les Fauvettes plaintives") rises to the level of fancy in the Tanzsuite's "Carillon" or in all of Burger als Edelmann. Nevertheless, Strauss orchestrates the music with taste and skill, much like Respighi in the Antiche danze ed arie series. Orpheus turns in a fine reading, capturing all the delicacy of the scoring. Textures are light and clear, the sound bright, and every movement dances.

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