Search - Shostakovich, Mendelssohn, Solti :: Symphony 5 / Symphony 4

Odd pairing and electric...

09/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD, a superb live account of both pieces is an uncommon pairing, but certainly an exhilarating one. The "Italian" in played with an exuberance that few but Solti seem to draw from the fine, but sometimes reserved players of the VPO. Shostakovich's most popular piece is given here a very unique account, with many interesting tempo treatments. Not as bulldozeresque as any of Bernstein's recorded versions (there is brass, though- this is Solti), and certainly not as even-tempered as Temirkanov's RCA recording, this 5 is a prize, and an accomplishment for Solti and the VPO. Only on the finest systems will an avid listener get the faintest hint that this is a live recording. Phenomenal disc."

An exciting CD to say the least

11/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the first notes of the Mendelssohn to the last notes of the 5th, this is a CD that will enthrall you.The Mendelssohn is joyfull and exuberant. The Shostakovich is brooding at times, but overall it is music that will make you listen at the edge of your seat. The finale movement of the 5th is fast and furious, and one of the most exciting orchestral pieces you will ever hear.A perfect introduction to these two great composers, this CD should be in every collection."

Very good performance...

sam1858 | Texas, USA | 03/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are planning on buying this CD, don't be afraid to do so.

I won't spend my time criticizing the recording quality, and how the mics should have been set, and what the engineers did and didn't do. I'll just help you with what you'll hear.

Overall this performance is good. It was recorded live in Vienna, February 1993.

Mendelssohn's Fourth is exciting, with a spirit of joviality in it, you won't become bored. The slow movement is beautiful; superb strings and woodwinds. In my opinion, a very well done, solid performance.

Shostakovich's Fifth is also a very good performance. The tempi are accurate, to my understanding of the score, and the playing is very solid, as usual, as one can expect from Solti, he does bring out the brass, and they deliver. The Finale, the most talked about movement of the symphony, does give the sense of marching in the Red Square, but Solti simply allows the music to speak for itself. Yes there may be other recordings of the Fifth (Rostropovich blah, blah, blah; Bernstein which is also good), but I truly believe, being a member of an orchestra, that one should acquire this CD if you can. Now, there are downfalls (in my opinion) to the Fifth's performance which I found rather disappointing, the trumpet player simply doesn't cut it. I was expecting to hear the triumphant sound of the trumpet near the end, and it simply left me unsatisfied. The trumpet seems to run out of fuel near the end. Also, the section right after the slow middle section of the finale, is taken quite slow (in my experience, yes it is supposed to be a reminder of the D minor theme right before the liberation section) but to my knowledge of the score, I do believe that Solti took this section way too slow. But overall, if you are thinking of purchasing this recording do so. You have nothing to lose, and you'll be able to judge for yourself."