Brahms's Second Serenade is one of those pieces that doesn't really work at live concerts. It's a small piece, with no trumpets and drums, and more significantly, no violins. In large halls the music often seems lost, and the enormous slow movement makes the music sound not just dark, but overwhelmingly slow and quiet too. It is, however, lovely music, so it's perfect for listening at home where you can get to know it at your leisure. This recording does the work full justice, and Hungarian Dances provides a welcome contrast.
- David Hurwitz
Track listing:
1. Serenade No. 2 For Small Orchestra In A Major, Op. 16: I. Allegro Moderato
2. Serenade No. 2 For Small Orchestra In A Major, Op. 16: II. Scherzo. Vivace – Trio
3. Serenade No. 2 For Small Orchestra In A Major, Op. 16: III. Adagio Non Troppo
4. Serenade No. 2 For Small Orchestra In A Major, Op. 16: IV. Quasi Menuetto – Trio
5. Serenade No. 2 For Small Orchestra In A Major, Op. 16: V. Rondo. Allegro
6. Variations On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a: Chorale St. Antoni: Andante
7. Variations On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation I: Poco Piu Animato
8. Variations On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation II: Piu Vivace
9. Variations On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation III: Con Moto
10. Variations On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation IV: Andante Con Moto
11. Variations On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation V: Vivace
12. Variations On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation VI: Vivace
13. Variations On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a: Variation VII: Grazioso
14. Variation VIII: Presto Non Troppo
15. Variations On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a: Finale: Andante
16. Three Hungarian Dances Nos. 1, 3 & 10: No. 1 In G Minor – Allegro Molto
17. Three Hungarian Dances Nos. 1, 3 & 10: No. 3 In F Major – Allegretto
18. Three Hungarian Dances Nos. 1, 3 & 10: No. 10 In F Major: Presto
19. Five Hungarian Dances Nos. 17 – 21: No. 17 In F Sharp Minor: Andantino
20. Five Hungarian Dances Nos. 17 – 21: No. 18 In D Major: Molto Vivace
21. Five Hungarian Dances Nos. 17 – 21: No. 19 In B Minor: Allegretto
22. Five Hungarian Dances Nos. 17 – 21: No. 20 In E Minor: Poco Allegretto – Vivace
