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CD Review

João Domingos Bomtempo

Symphonies

• Symphony #1 in E Flat Major, Op. 11
• Symphony #2 in D Major

Algarve Orchestra/Alvaro Cassuto
Naxos 8.557163 66:44 Recorded University of the Algarve, Faro, Portugal

João Domingos Bomtempo (1771-1842) was the most well-known Portuguese composer of the Classical era, but I had not heard a note of his music prior to receiving this new Naxos disc for review. After a few listenings, I am very impressed with both the music and program. Symphony #1 is firmly in the Classical tradition, mainly of a Haydnesque manner. Symphony #2 is a more ambitious and serious work that has early romantic features and contrasts splendidly with the 1^st Symphony. Though both are undated, the music leads me to assume that the symphonies are separated by at least a few years. What both works have in common are excellent craftsmanship, fluid phrasing/transitioning, and a host of irresistible melody lines. Actually, I consider Bomtempo an exceptional melodist, likely his most attractive compositional trait.

Is Bomtempo a musical genius? Likely not, in that his musical arguments do not constantly advance in a logical and compelling fashion. However, Symphony #1 holds up quite well to the Haydn and Mozart models, and the 2^nd Symphony is close to being a masterpiece of early romanticism.

Bomtempo certainly had an advantageous musical upbringing. His father was a professional oboist and member of the orchestra of the Royal Court of Lisbon. Bomtempo studied music at Lisbon's Patriarchal Seminary and was eventually appointed principal oboist of the Royal Court's orchestra in 1795. He later settled in Paris where he achieved a splendid career as a pianist and composer, an enviable situation that continued when he moved to London. In addition to dozens of works for piano, Bomtempo composed five piano concertos, a Requiem, and six symphonies.

Symphony #1, classical to the core, begins with an introductory Largo of heroic proportions assisted excellently by the wind instruments; the ensuing Allegro, in sonata form, is notable for its highly melodic and toe-tapping primary theme. However, even in this exhilarating 1^st Movement, the development section tends to meander rather than set its sights on promoting the musical arguments of the primary theme. The invigorating 2^nd Movement Minuetto is very enjoyable with a graceful central Trio section where the winds carry the melody line over a bed of staccato strings. The 3^rd Movement Andante sostenuto is not as convincing, its series of variations tending to meander around the unremarkable original theme. Fortunately, the symphony concludes well with a high-energy 4^th Movement Presto that is joyous and delightful throughout.

If Bomtempo's Symphony #2 was similar in style and aesthetics to his first symphony, I would simply recommend the disc to those who enjoy Classical period orchestral music. However, Symphony #2 is a significantly different creature having an impact analogous to moving from Beethoven's first two symphonies to his magnificent and ground-breaking "Eroica" Symphony. First, each movement of Symphony #2 is significantly longer than #1, the 1^st Movement Allegro moderato especially generous with a length in the 16 minute range. Second, the fecundity of melodic lines is very fertile and even more appealing than in Symphony #1. Third, there is breadth of expression and serious intent not found in the earlier symphony.

Symphony #2's 1^st Movement is a remarkable creation. The introduction begins in darkness with the low strings but soon enters the world of triumph with a glorious lyricism. The Allegro contains one compelling theme after another, making Bomtempo sound like a 'melody machine' in the manner of a Mozart. The 2^nd Movement Allegretto is also stunning and highly original; the first section has a march-like cadence and blends poignancy with determination, while the central section's legato and songful phrasing is irresistible. Perhaps most alluring, this central section is not followed by a simple restatement of the first section, but a collaboration of the basic features of both sections. With rousing 3^rd and 4^th Movements, Symphony #2 is an important symphonic work of the early romantic period that deserves much greater exposure in the concert hall and on record.

The Algarve Orchestra was founded by Alvaro Cassuto just three years ago to provide Southern Portugal with a orchestral of international quality. Of the more than 800 musicians who applied for positions with the new orchestra, 31 were eventually selected. Definitely a fine orchestra, Cassuto and his forces give idiomatic interpretations of Bomtempo's music, my sole reservation being a sagging of momentum in the Trio section of the 2^nd Symphony's Minuetto. The sound quality is a little muddy, but a distinct bloom appears at high volume levels. The main consideration is that the sonics do not detract from one's listening enjoyment.

Don's Conclusions: I strongly recommend that anyone interested in symphonies from the late 18^th to early 19^th centuries investigate these two exceptional Bomtempo efforts. Once again, Naxos gives us superb music from an obscure source for a very small price. Now how about those four other Bomtempo symphonies. They need to be unearthed and recorded.

Copyright © 2005/2006, Don Satz