Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Valery Gergiev, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 [Hybrid SACD]

A Tchaikovsky Fourth Symphony of Great Clarity and Emotion f

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 07/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2002 recording of the Tchaikovsky 4th Symphony is one of great clarity and emotion from distinguished maestro Valery Gergiev and the Wiener Philharmoniker. Indeed, it merely demonstrates why Gergiev demands our attention as one of our most important, most insightful, conductors, leading the world's greatest orchestra in a riveting interpretation that is noteworthy for its clarity and emotional depth. Gergiev's interpretation is one that is replete with precise intonation, as well as empathy, for Tchaikovsky's score; it is one that does not wallow in excessive emotional displays, as for example, Leonard Bernstein's final recording of this work with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra for Deutsche Grammophon in the late 1980s. For a live recording, the sound quality most closely resembles that of a studio performance, and judging from the fact that this was recorded over the span of four days in mid October 2002, one has to presume that both Gergiev and the Philips producers opted for some "corrections" in what is otherwise, a recording derived from live performances at the Wiener Philharmoniker's sonically memorable home, the Grosser Saal of Vienna's Musikverein. Gergiev's conception of this work as a piece emphasizing the role of Fate is notable for its relentless energy, drive, and emotional richness, courtesy of the Wiener Philharmoniker's virtuoso playing, especially from its principal musicians in solo passages. If merely to emphasize these points, Gergiev has opted for brisker tempi, with the third movement - consisting solely of pizzicato playing by the string section - among the fastest I've heard. Without question, I have to recommend this glowing interpretation as, quite possibly, the best I have heard either on a recording or live (I can gladly mention too that it is one I have heard live, thanks to Gergiev's rousing performance of it with the Wiener Philharmoniker earlier this year at Carnegie Hall; his conception of this work hasn't changed at all.).

"

Great sound, great playing, but Gergiev is too cautious

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 01/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Gergiev has turned his live Tchaikovsky performances with the Vienna Phil. into something of an event, and it's true that no other Russian conductor, to my knowledge, has recorded with the orchestra in modern times. This SACD hybrid of the Fourth Sym. sounds terrific, even in two-channel CD, so for impact, naturalness, and detail it goes to the top of my list. It's also wonderful to hear the refined virtuosity of the orchestra. In both respects this is a top-flight recording.



But Gergiev doesn't seem excited by this symphony, and Tchaikovsky, who is primarily about passiona and drama, goes a bit flat when the conducting is this restrained. I suppose Gergiev wanted to resuce the work from its warhorse status, but why? Only an inflamed performance will make experienced listeners sit up and take notice. As it is, this interpretation has no flaws, but it has no great insights, either. I would put it in the middle of the pack, which may be good enough for anyone who has surround sound and wants a sonic rush."