September 16, 2004

When Paul Kletzki was the music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in the late '50s and early '60s, few were aware that he was a composer. Now, thanks in no small part to Dr. Timothy Jackson of the University of North Texas and his "Lost Composers" project, Mr. Kletzki's music is being heard.

Symphony No. 3 and Concertino for Flute are among the most immediately likable of the composer's available works. The outer movements of the symphony are weighty and at times aggressive. The lengthy slow movement is moving and most obviously fits the work's ambiguous title: In memoriam — in memory of whom or what is not stated. The symphony's playful scherzo is in striking contrast to the mood of the rest of the work. Also playful is the cheerful and endearing Concertino for Flute.

The performances by Sweden's Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, conductor Thomas Sanderling and flutist Sharon Bezaly are excellent.

Olin Chism