Weill, K: Symphony No. 1 in one movement 'Berliner Symphony', etc.

2010

“Weill's Symphony No 2 is one of his most important works but it is not music calculated to cheer one up. Commissioned by the Princesse de Polignac in 1933, Weill completed it during the months immediately following his flight from Germany, after the Nazi seizure of power. Coming just after Der Silbersee and Die sieben Todsünden, it has a number of thematic similarities to those works but also seems to hint at some of Weill's later music, composed in America. A deeply pessimistic piece in its first two movements, it nevertheless ends on a questioning note that may express hope, or at least the energy to continue.
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop give a satisfying performance.
For those who already possess versions of the ballet-chanté or the concerto, Alsop's programme may be more alluring. She achieves quite a triumph with the very early single-movement First Symphony, a student work never performed in the composer's lifetime: it's rarely played as confidently as here. The suite from Lady In theDark is just a curiosity; without Ira Gershwin's lyrics the tunes don't sound particularly enticing.
At least, though, it lightens the mood after some pretty relentless gloom. Excellent clear sound, at Naxos's price an easy recommendation.”