Search - Felix [1] Mendelssohn, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 4 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

A Mendelssohn "Greatest Hits" if you will

J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 10/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is as fine a disc of Mendelssohn music as you are likely to find on the market today. Three of his most engaging and consistently enjoyable works are programmed together here, with stunning results. The Berlin players are in complete harmony with Karajan's vision of this music, and one wonders how these pieces could be played any other way. This is really the Berlin Philharmonic at their peak of the Karajan days. The recorded sound is excellent (if anything a bit too bright in spots), and the march at the end of the "Scottish" which highlights the brass sounds thrilling (Mendelssohn here echoing the finale of Beethoven's Seventh very successfully). This is perhaps the finest "Scottish" on record in my opinion in its ability to involve the listener. The "Italian" is equally fine, though I have a personal preference for the former. The only other coupling of the 3rd and 4th symphonies I am aware of that can compete with this disc is Herbert Blomstedt with the San Francisco Symphony on Decca. To sum up, this is an essential disc."

Two Scots and an Italian

NotATameLion | Michigan | 02/17/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I first fell in love with classical music it was generally the more accessible "show pieces" like Mendelssohn's overture "The Hebrides" that stirred my soul. In fact, one of the first discs I purchased was Dutoit's recording of the incidental music from "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Besides the great Scherzo and the Wedding March, the disc also features three of Mendelssohn's overtures-"The Hebrides" included. It has remained one of my favorite discs. I never thought I would a more moving version of "The Hebrides" than Dutoit's icy masterpiece.I stand corrected. In this repackaged collection from Deutsche Grammophon's "The Originals" series, conductor Herbert von Karajan proves himself to be an adept interpreter of Mendelssohn's musical vision. Included are Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic's versions of "The Hebrides" overture and of Mendelssohn's Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4. Karajan's and Dutoit's recordings of "The Hebrides" are really as different as apples and oranges. Dutoit (with his own forces from Montreal) makes the piece into a chilling, highflying affair. Karajan's version is warmer, a little more delicate (though it does thunder at times). I find both approaches valid and pleasing. I would not want to be without either; but if forced to choose would take Karajan's.Karajan gives the Scottish Symphony (No.3) a somewhat psychologically dark, romantic yet precise reading. It starts prettily enough, but there are some dark shadows in Herbert's Highlands.Karajan lacks a little of the Italiante style needed for a definitive rendition of Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony (No. 4), yet this does not stop this recording from being merely great. He does let his orchestra get carried away by the Presto of the finale (as all too many recordings do). Instead, Karajan's grasp of the work as a whole is evident throughout. Overall, these recording are about as good of presentation to be found of Mendelssohn's more popular works. I recommend this disc without reservation to anyone who loves music."

Karajan at his best

J. Buxton | 09/14/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These two symphonies were recorded in 1971, and 1973 - Karajan's best and happiest years. Not so "perfect sound" minded like in the sixties, Karajan has shifted into capturing the spirit of the music. The Italian symphony is pure bursting happiness and vitality, the scottish symphony is deeper, more introspective, as is the Herbides overture. This recording, particularly of the Italian symphony, is a must have."