Search - Bartok, Janacek, Abbado :: Miraculous Mandarin / Sinfonietta

Outstanding Performances

J. Rich | 01/20/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Claudio Abbado is one of those rare conductors who can conduct Beethoven and turn right around and conduct Bartok or Ravel. This recording is not much of a surprise as those who followed Abbado's career knows what an affinity he has for more early 20th Century composers. It is recordings such as this one that only reinforces the fact that he knew the music and he knew how to get the best sound possible from the orchestra. Here he conducts both the London Symphony and the Berlin Philharmonic.



The performance of Bartok's "Miraculous Mandarin" is simply one of the best I've heard. Those clean textures that Abbado is able to get gives this performance a remarkable clarity and also a unique sense of structure. Abbado is up against some stiff competetion in this piece with the likes of Boulez, Solti, Fischer, to name a few, but I think Abbado had some very interesting things to say and makes me wonder why he didn't conduct more of Bartok. The performance of Janacek's "Sinfonietta" is no less fantastic. The conductor I turn to for Janacek has always been Mackerras, but Abbado really gives this piece a fine performance.



It has always surprised me that this recording is out-of-print. I really don't understand why it is, it's a great disc full of great playing, conducting, and sonics. If you can find it used (like I did) for a good price and in like-new condition, then buy it. You won't be sorry. Highly recommended."