HONEGGER: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 4; “Pastorale...

HONEGGER: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 4; “Pastorale d’Ete”; “Prelude, Arioso et Fugue (sur le nom de BACH).” Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Jesus Lopez-Cobos. Virgin Classics VC 7 91486-2. Lopez-Cobos makes a strong case for both symphonies as chamber works, especially for the Fourth, subtitled “Delicae Basiliensis,” with its tapestries of crystalline color and rhythmic lacework, in an understated, piquantly detailed performance. He leads everything with an ear toward transparent texture and focused line: Even the more blended timbres of the somber Symphony No. 2 for strings emerge lean and immediate in presence. The Lausanne Chamber Orchestra plays with precision, finesse and forcefulness; Virgin’s production provides natural detail. The Impressionistic breezes of the “Pastorale” and the stark, sculpted contrapuntalism of the “Prelude, Arioso et Fugue” round out the disc, in purposeful readings.