It happens that this month I have been sent for to review two records, both of which could be called witty in different degrees (the other is the Variations by Dohnanyi reviewed on page 579). There could scarcely be a greater difference between them, for whereas Dohnanyi's music is cosmopolitan and urbane, in that he never over-does a joke. Ibert's is relentless and witty rather like a child enjoying a party. True, some of it has a certain Gallic charm (the Waltz in the well-known Divertissement for example); but the music is mostly too relentlessly 'busy' for my liking. The Bacchanale is another piece that at least lives up to its title more continuously than other similarly named works do—but it does mean yet another rather hectic piece of music. And when Ibert does attempt a deeper note, what does it amount to? I suppose the Symphonie marine has the most serious intentions of anything on this LP, but what does it add up to as music? Very little, I think, though I must confess that I find myself unsympathetic to the piece.
My comments at least make my view clear and the reader must read them with my antipathy in mind and disagree if he thinks otherwise. Anyway, Fremaux and the CBSO are clearly enjoying themselves no end, while the music itself is issued in suitably clear and vivid sound.'