Search - Felix [1] Mendelssohn, Lev Markiz, Nieuw Sinfonietta Amsterdam :: Mendelssohn: The Complete String Symphonies

Who the heck is Gerald Parker and why is he so HYPERBOLIC?

G. Engler | The Frigid Northeast | 09/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have enjoyed the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra's single disc of Mendelssohn's String Symphonies Nos. 8,9, & 10 for many years and have been wanting to acquire all of them. I have had my eye on this set, but, frankly, I have been disuaded by the downright hostility of a previous reviewer - Mr. Gerald Parker - whose hyperbolic exhortations against this set have included accusations of its including "tormentedly misguided interpretations" by "zealots" who have recorded "soulessly mechanistic" interpretaions "at tempi that for the most part are so breathlessly rapid as to trivialise the music......(inflicting) bumptuous, graceless détaché articulation."



Where is Joe Pesci when you need him? Where is Joe? Let me just say it - "What the *!%^ are you talking about?"



Having purchased this set, let me report that it is GLORIOUS - the playing is lovely, the acoustic is typically BIS - clean, clear, and somewhat reverberant. I cannot imagine why anyone would characterize this playing as tormented, misguided, or souless. Let me be explicit - this is soulful, professional musicianship.



As for rapid tempi, I really don't know what to say. Well, actually I do. Let's compare the tempi chosen by Nieuw Sinfonietta Amsterdam with that of Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, who have also been accused of fast tempi. The fleeting Symphony #10 is taken by Orpheus at 9'39. NSA clock in at 10'04. Or how about one of myfavorite of the "fast movements" - the scherzo of Symphony #9 - Orpheus clock in at 2'53, NSA at 3'02. The allegro of Symphony #8 - Orpheus = 7'11, and NSA 9'34.



I seldom take issue with individuals' criticisms of recordings, I frequently say to each his own taste. But seeing how Mr. Parker's misguided, ignorant vitriol had kept me from purchasing these recordings, I'd hate anyone else to make a similar mistake.



The set is currently selling for a fraction of its former BIS list price. Indulge yourself. If you love Mendelssohn, I think you will love these performances. They may not all be masterworks, but they are all thoroughly enjoyable, and delightful.



I may have awarded the set 4 stars, but feel compelled to offset that other dreadful review - so, let me register at 5 stars!



UPDATE JAN 2010 - My love of this music, and of the audiophile sonics of the Hyperion label, compelled me to purchase a second set of the early string symphomies by the London Festival Orchestra. I am pleased to say that I stick with my recommendation for this set by the Nieuw Amsterdam musicians. There is a sense of joy, and gaiety in their playing - a joy that is complemented by the clarity of the BIS sonics - that is missing from the comparatively serious Londoners. This is the set that I will continue to return to - as I have regularly when I need a musical "pick-me-up" after a hard day at work!"

Excellent Set, Marred Only by Cost

Aronne | 04/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After purchasing this CD through a music club, I found myself continually delighted at my choice. Lev Markiz and the Nieuw Sinfonietta Amsterdam are at the service of the music in a way that is very pleasing. The phrasing in the opening movement of No. 7 in D minor is particularly delicious. The polish and energy of these performances are very consistent.



The notes are excellent, with at least a paragraph on every symphony plus background information on Mendelssohn himself. BIS even goes so far as to list which editions the musicians use.



The only downside of this issue is cost. Four CDs for $65 is a bit exorbitant. Best to buy it used, rather than dishing out over $16 for each disc. However, this is the only recording to contain both the unfinished single movement String Symphony No. 13 and the two versions of the String Symphony No. 8 (with and without winds).



Overall, I would recommend this issue to anyone willing to surmount the problem of cost; this is beautiful music played to suit."