Composer: George Templeton Strong
Works: Die Nacht – four little tone poems (1913), Le Roi Arthur – symphonic poem (1916)
Performers: Moscow Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Adriano
Recording: April 1999, Mosfilm Studios, Moscow; world premiere recordings
Label: NAXOS
George Templeton Strong, a composer whose career bridged the late Romantic and early modern eras, has gradually emerged from the shadows of his contemporaries to claim a rightful place in the classical canon. Strong’s works, influenced by the rich tapestry of European music and American orchestral traditions, are particularly notable for their evocative use of orchestration and thematic development. This Naxos release features two significant compositions: the tone poem Die Nacht and the symphonic poem Le Roi Arthur. Both works exemplify Strong’s ability to meld programmatic elements with a distinctly personal voice.
Die Nacht, crafted in 1913, unfolds as a four-movement tone poem that navigates a landscape of atmospheric contrasts and vivid imagery. The opening movement, “At Sunset,” establishes a ruminative mood, with lush string textures that evoke the waning light of day. Strong’s mastery of orchestration is particularly evident here, as he deftly intertwines woodwinds and strings to create a shimmering soundscape. The subsequent movement, “Peasant’s Battle March,” introduces a more raucous energy, though it does reveal some rough edges in orchestral coordination. This momentary lapse seems intentional, reflecting the chaotic spirit of the peasants’ struggle. The “In an Old Forest” movement returns to a more reflective state, showcasing Strong’s ability to conjure a sense of mystery and depth. The final movement, “The Awakening of the Forest-Spirits,” bursts forth with a coloristic palette reminiscent of Berlioz and Dukas, revealing a more jubilant and imaginative side of Strong’s compositional style.
Le Roi Arthur, composed in 1916, takes a more ambitious approach, drawing on the rich lore of Arthurian legend. This symphonic poem is structured into three movements, with a lushly orchestrated opening that features an expansive horn motif at approximately 6:10, echoing the sumptuous writing of Strauss and Mahler. The adagio-andante section evokes a primordial sense of innocence, masterfully juxtaposed against the darker themes of betrayal and tragedy. The finale encapsulates the emotional weight of the narrative, as Strong’s melodic lines resonate with a tragic grandeur that feels both poignant and expansive. This work, while ambitious, reveals Strong’s struggle to maintain thematic cohesion; yet, in its strongest moments, it conveys a sincere depth that reflects the composer’s artistic aspirations.
The performance by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Adriano, captures the essence of Strong’s orchestral writing with a commendable blend of sensitivity and vigor. The recording quality is particularly praiseworthy, as the engineering balances clarity and richness, allowing the intricate textures of Strong’s orchestration to shine through. The orchestra’s coordination, especially in the more complex passages, reflects a commendable level of dedication to the music. However, there are instances, particularly in the more frenetic sections of both works, where the ensemble’s unity occasionally falters, drawing attention away from the otherwise seamless flow of the performance.
Strong’s music, while perhaps less known than that of his contemporaries, possesses a distinctive charm that merits further exploration. This recording serves not only as an introduction to his oeuvre but also as a reminder of the vibrant musical landscape of the early 20th century. The interplay of influences from composers such as Wagner, Mendelssohn, and even Dvořák resonates throughout both works, highlighting Strong’s unique voice within this rich tradition. The nuances of orchestration and thematic development in these pieces reveal a composer grappling with the complexities of his time, ultimately succeeding in crafting music that is both evocative and engaging.
Strong’s music, as presented in this recording, stands as a testament to the rich possibilities of orchestral composition in the early 20th century. The interpretative choices made by Adriano and the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, coupled with the high-quality recording, render this release a compelling addition to the growing catalog of Strong’s works. It invites listeners to delve deeper into the composer’s legacy and offers a promising glimpse into what may lie ahead in future volumes of the Naxos Strong Edition.
