Johannes Bernardus van Bree (1801-1857)

[Alan Howe]

I'd cite Gaudenz's recordings of the two Loewe symphonies for cpo as the model for HIP-influenced performances of this repertoire. I think van Bree would have benefited from his approach.

[Ilja]

Or Das Neue Orchester with Christoph Spering, if their recording of Kalliwoda's music is anything to go by.

[Alan Howe]

That was my second choice! Great minds...

[Alan Howe]

I am in the process of changing my mind about this recording - and van Bree's Fantasy. I'm still not totally convinced that an orchestra with more heft couldn't give the work more 'profile', but the orchestra actually plays very well and the work itself comes over very clearly as the highlight of the CD.

So: if you like early romanticism, please don't pass over this recording.