Famous as a virtuoso performer, teacher, and composer for the piano, Xaver Scharwenka wrote little for orchestra. This CD presents his three purely orchestral works: the Overture (1869), the Symphony in C minor, Op. 60 (1882), and the Andante religioso, Op. 46a (1881). Because his energies were directed almost exclusively to the keyboard, Scharwenka had little inclination to excel as a symphonist. His sole symphony outwardly bears the influence of Beethoven and Liszt, and sometimes resembles the late Romantic style of
Saint-Saëns. However, it lacks their innovative spirit, conviction, and formal sophistication. Scharwenka's music is pleasant and sometimes dramatic, but far from daring, and his orchestration is conventional and unexciting. Indeed, the symphony's limitations are reflected in Scharwenka's self-satisfaction on completing it. Overjoyed and proud of his achievement, he went no further in the genre. A student work, the Overture is earnest in its solemnity but rudimentary in its developmental techniques and pale in its imitation of Beethoven. The Andante religioso is a pretty but saccharine piece which, rather too obviously, features an organ and a harp for their heavenly associations. The
Gävle Symphony Orchestra, under Christopher Fifield, plays solidly and with commitment, and the fine performances make Scharwenka's music sound much better than it is. Sterling's recording is excellent.