Title : Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 4 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Author : Mendelssohn, Felix
Release Date : 19970812
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $11.98
Amazon.com Price : $9.94
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Buyer Reviews : 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.
