Robert Fuchs: Serenades Nos. 3, 4 & 5

"There is some incredibly beautiful music for strings here—the Fourth Serenade adds two horns to the ensemble—generously melodic and richly textured. One would be hard-pressed to come up with examples of pieces as immediately ear-pleasing…" --Fanfare, September 2012

"These works are pleasant music and easy listening…The Cologne Chamber Orchestra produces a rich, romantic sound that’s quite attractive and expressive…" --American Record Guide, September 2012

This second disc concludes Naxos’ survey of Robert Fuchs’ complete serenades, and it’s just as delightful as the first. Serenade No. 3, for strings, features an irresistibly catchy third-movement march, and a fiery finale in the Hungarian style. The Fourth Serenade, in five movements…All of the works feature a movement described as “grazioso”, but the Allegretto grazioso of this piece particularly lives up to its title. The Fifth Serenade…has an unforgettably witty finale in which the players seem to want to play the waltz from Die Fledermaus, but can’t quite remember how it goes, so they dance on with their own slightly tipsy tune…

the performances are as perfect as we have any right to ask. Christian Ludwig paces each piece with an unerring feel for the music’s often balletic grace, while the slow movements never bog down in cloying sentiment. The Cologne Chamber Orchestra plays with clean rhythms, excellent intonation, and (in the latter works) notably transparent balances between strings and winds. This is music of very high quality. It bears repetition well, and will charm you and your musical friends for years to come. It deserves a place in every serious collection. --ClassicsToday.com, April 2012

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