Serenade for Wind Instruments, Op. 7

Mercury SR90173
Frederick Fennell/Eastman Wind Ensemble (1958)

The first of Strauss' works for wind ensemble (the Suite, Op. 4, came slightly after), the Serenade typifies Strauss' juvenalia: an unpretentious Mendelssohnian charm in a Lieder ohne Worte idiom, surprisingly well-written for the instruments by a 16-year-old boy. Fennell gets his ensemble to sing. The Eastman soloists carry out their bits with more than a little distinction, without inflating the work.

Philips 438733-2
Edo de Waart/Netherlands Wind Ensemble (1971)

Edo de Waart does nothing other than keep the band together. The ensemble plays professionally, but everyone concerned appears as if something more important was on the fire. In short, we get the notes, period.

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