Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra, Ole Kristian Ruud, Hannu Koivula - Rota: Symphony No. 3, Concerto festivo & Le Molière (2001) CD Rip

The idiom on display here stands squarely in the neo-classical tradition, a sort of Italianate Poulenc or Kurt Weill (from the period of the Second Symphony). Nino Rota's tuneful, expertly scored Third Symphony offers charm and wit without ever becoming facile, and sports a truly lovely slow movement. Ole Kristian Ruud conducts a fine performance with the single possible exception of the third movement scherzo, which could move a bit faster. On the other hand, he gets the tempo of the finale exactly right: brisk but not to the point where the excellent Norrköping winds have trouble tonguing the repeated notes of the principal theme. In all, this is a delightful work that ought to be played far more often, particularly by chamber orchestras.

Hannu Koivula leads the remainder of the program. The Concerto festivo, subtitled "Concerto for Orchestra" lets all of the solo players strut their stuff in the course of five delightfully brief movements. A delicious little "cabaletta" follows the second movement "aria" in typically Italian fashion, and its acrobatic high jinks will bring a smile to the lips of any sympathetic listener. The suite from the ballet Le Molière imaginaire evokes Prokofiev (Cinderella especially), with a wholly apt touch of Offenbach fortifying such movements as the final gallop, or the marvelous slow waltz representing the character of Armande. Koivula leads delightful performances with nary a dull second, and as with the symphony the Norrköping orchestra does the music proud. Sonics are a touch bright, but otherwise are admirably clear and finely detailed. -- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com