In Flanders' Fields Vol. 52 - Piet Swerts - Symphony No. 2 - Morgenrot

It is clear that Swerts's symphony is extremely communicative. This is achieved through his personal but ever clear and transparent musical language. Expressive harmonies, rhythms that will stick in the hearer's mind and melodies that sweep him off his feet are combined with virtuoso orchestration. Sometimes Swerts evokes an intimate or tense atmosphere, sometimes he goes for drama and unfolds all the colors of the symphony orchestra in a spectacular whirl. He is also an excellent composer of vocal music; witness the choral movement 'An die Musik' [To Music] at the center of the symphony as well as the solo part for soprano, which Bernadette Degelin sings with a fine feeling for style and with great conviction. There can be no question that this is a memorable recording by the Flemish Radio Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Bjarte Engeset. Thanks to it the work and its qualities will now become known and indeed renowned outside the walls of concert halls as well.