If you love the symphonies of Louis Spohr, George Onslow, and Ferdinand Ries, this recording of symphonies by Friedrich Ernst Fesca is the disc for you. Composed between 1809 and 1816 and both in D major, Fesca's Symphony No. 2, Op. 10, and Symphony No. 3, Op. 13, are written in a style that falls between late Haydn and early Schubert, with graceful melodies embellished with charming woodwind touches, assured harmonies that move with skillful conviction, and polished forms. In these committed and refreshing performances by
Beermann and the Hanover-based NDR Philharmonie, Fesca sounds like the equal of Spohr and the better of Onslow and Ries.
Beermann appears to believe that Fesca's music possesses a wit, a delight, and a youthful energy that deserve his full attention and he convinces the radio orchestra to play with the kind of power and ensemble that groups usually reserve for the acknowledged German masters. With the same composer's highly dramatic Overture to his 1819 opera Cantemire included as a bonus, this disc should be heard by anyone interested in early nineteenth century orchestral music. Recorded in 2001, CPO's digital sound is warm, smooth, and natural.