Customer Reviews

Barenboim Conducts Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Sibelius [CD & DVD]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
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This is probably the best recording of a symphony for large orchestra that I have heard. I'll leave the critique of the interpretation to others. What I like about this recording is the dynamic contrast and the ability to hear individual solo instruments quite clearly. It sounds as though microphones have been placed in front of each instrument so that each part can be heard distinctly. I don't have a SACD player, just a regular CD player, and the sound is still superb!

Aside from exquisite orchestral qualities, viewing the energetic, animated, gifted Arab and Israeli musicians playing as one -- totally engaged, not disengaged -- is nothing short of a thrill. Watching this recording treasure brings both tears and a broad smile, seeing that it's not impossible for very, very possible and doable, now. Wait 'til you see how Barenboim gives and gives to these talented women and men musicians who transcend physical and emotional borders and walls for something beautiful for all humankind -- just what this recording is.

Libby and Len Traubman

San Mateo, CA

LTraubman@igc.org

http://traubman.igc.org/

Oh my goodness, very emotional. Fantastic music, very good conductor, very good interpretation, but most of all, the story behind this Orchestra is very tooching.

Very impresive execution, good sound, what Barenboin has done putting together this orchestra gives us a very strong positive message towards world peace, working with young talents from the Middle East. Greetings from Costa Rica.

Without doubt this wonderfully talented pianist and conductor, Daniel Barenboim set out to bring together young people from the Middle East in unity and peace in the name of music, this he has achieved.
The setting of Victoria Hall in Geneva is ideal, together with the late Edward Said what you see and hear is their creation, I feel that this orchestra is on the road to greatness. Well worth watching and great camera work.

To me this project (West-Eastern Divan Orchestra) represents the most courageous attempt to start the process of reconciliation (through the universality of music) between Arabs and Israeli.

... these words of Robert Fripp come to full fruition in this recording that flexes a sublime and intelligent becoming at one with the music by Barenboim and his courageous disciples. The project is wonderfully filmed with exquisite sound on the DVD as well. And that all goes to drive home the point that when passions are reserved for music instead of politics, beware! Peace will break out.

Kudos as well to Barenboim who recently snubbed an Israeli reporter for trying to interview him while she was in uniform. It certainly took chutzpah and courage to call the fascist canard for what it was. Barenboim is no stranger to refusing to cowtow to an intractable mindset, and on the heels of this release it affirms the philosophical point that peace does not exist in a vacuum, and therefore you can not create beauty amid the trappings of war. There is a lesson here for the Americans as well, but it's not likely to be heard over the din of a country-western Nero fiddling stupidly with the future of the planet.

In any case, if you care about classical music or if you just care about Israelis and Arabs finding a way out of the mess, this is required listening. An essential disc by any standard.