What's more, each of these unusual ensembles gives persuasive accounts of both pieces. The Chamber Orchestra of Europe, whose membership is drawn from 12 different countries, has no permanent conductor, but it works with many prominent guests, including Alexander Schneider, who conducted both this album and their previous one for MHS devoted to Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart. Orpheus has no conductor and performs without one. Orpheus is a remarkable experiment in democracy. Yet the results, as on the present disc, are thoroughly satisfying.
Execution is precise, and, what's more, the music comes across with great vitality and sensitivity.
Both Orpheus and Schneider manage to play the String Serenade without excessive sentimentalizing. Schneider is affectionate but not cloying. Orpheus, especially, matches Marriner in brilliance, but with more warmth. Schneider's version brims with life, fairly swinging into the Finale. Orpheus does a better job with the poignant Andante con moto , and confirms my positive recollection of their live performance by producing one of the best Wind Serenades available.