Search - Antonin Dvorak, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Herbert von Karajan :: Tschaikowsky, Dvorák: Streicherserenaden - String Serenades - Serenades pour cordes

Unmatched

Daniel R. Adams | Seattle, WA United States | 12/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc reveals the luscious string serenades of Tchaikovsky and Dvorak in their most ravishing form. Karajan directs with authority and majesty here; the Tchaikovsky is bold, ebullient, while the Dvorak sensitive and delicate. I've heard no other recording that matches both the technical virtuosity and emotional range in these two works.In I and IV of Tch, the strings bathe you with a powerful heavenly force that can be quite exhilirating, in II there is a playfulness, and in III an almost hypnotic reserve. The Dvorak from start to finish exhibits the utmost in polished continuity. Karajan has a feel for the Slavic themes and transports one to the fields of Bohemia so effortlessly.It is true that there are extremely minor slips of the strings in these performances, but such flaws cannot possibly detract. I imagine being a fly on the wall in the hall while magic was being woven...moved by an entire ensemble committed to distilling the esssence of the music; a mistake or two only shows that the performers are people, not machines. The performances are so warm, human, and brilliant that I would never consider purchasing another recording of either work. I've heard a number of other interpretations (Marriner, Naxos, MacKerras etc.) but only this one catches the true fire of these pinnacles from the two masters' catalogues."

Two excellent Slavic Serenades

koream | Potomac, MD USA | 02/10/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Von Karajan gives these two works a straightforward reading. The Berliners play crisply, and DG's recording is excellent as usual.Repeated listenings do not reveal any major glitches in the orchestra's performance. To what one listener may be an appropriate use of dynamics is to another listener a mistake I suppose."

Karajan weaves magic in these string serenades!

Benjamin Bolival | The Peninsula of the Bay Area | 03/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is GREAT! If your a fan of Von Karajan, Tchaikovsky and Dvorak, get a copy before copies run out. The two serenades are very beautiful and I always enjoy listening to this CD from start to end. The sound is solid and the Berlin Philharmoniker gives out a strong orchestral performance. A cheaper alternative is the Titov-conducted Chamber Orchestra of the St. Petersburg Conservatory (infinity Digital, Sony Music Entertainment) performance of both serenades. The Titov version makes individual string instruments sing out whereas Karajan gives you a muscular orchestral version. Both are equally splendid and choosing which version to purchase really depends on your personal musical preferences."