JOAN MANÉN (1883-1971): Symphony No. 2, Op. A-47 “Ibérica”, Violin Concerto No. 3, Op. A-37 “Ibérico” (World Premiere Recordings).

Description: Although known in his own time as a virtuoso violinist, this Catalonian musician also left a significant number of compositions including seven operas and nine orchestral works (his first violin concerto appeared on Naxos in October 2016 - 10S047). The 1940 concerto is a brilliantly written and unashamedly Romantic work whose ample 43-minute, three-movement form exudes Iberian vitality without recourse to Hispanic effects. Cast on a huge scale, the Symphony, in four movements and lasting 55 minutes (1954-58), calls for an exceptionally large orchestra, whose outer movements seem to be concerned with conflict (although a Spanish-flavored theme appears in the finale), a lively scherzo and a solemn but radiant slow movement. 2 CDs. Ana María Valderrama (violin), Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and National Orchestra of Catalonia; Darrell Ang.