Customer Reviews

CELIBIDACHE: Münchner Philharmoniker - Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After the great man died in the mid 1990s, Celibidache's family decided to have EMI edit and publish recordings of live concerts with the Munich Philharmonic. The booklet rattles on more about this idiosyncratic conducter who abhorred the recording studio and preferred live music to the CD player (it's understandable but still a bit eccentric, admit it), BUT THIS IS MUSICIANSHIP AT ITS FINEST. Celibidache provides a totally fresh perspective on Tchaikovsky's Fifth, something I haven't heard since I first heard Lorin Maazel's version in the late 1970s. And the quality of the CD pressing is outstanding. Between Celibidache's love of the music, his control of his musicians and the care EMI put into making this and other recordings of his works, this is a must-have. Very highly recommended.

Maybe I'be been listening to too many recordings with period instruments lately, or too many twee esoteric chamber recordings. Whatever, this beautiful recording of Tchaikovsky's 5th by Celibidache and the Munich ensemble blew me away. I will definitely be seeking out more recordings with this conductor with whom I was previously unfamiliar. (He was not an advocate of recording and thought music should be listened to in live performances).

Fortunately his son has provided us the opportunity to hear these great recordings. The playing is very lush and the tempi, to these ears, sound precisely what one would imagine Tchaikovsky would have wanted. There is an intangible quality to recordings like this which somehow transcend the cumulative playing of notes and manage to carry the full emotional weight of the score. The playing in many of the passages here is of such aching beauty as to be almost unbearable. This recording is essential.

Incredible! Behind these old restored recordings is musical guenius. If you are a Tchaikovsky fan ,like I am, these recordings (the last 3 symphonies) are a MUST. I can truly say these are the most powerful, emotionally charged, masterful, and beautiful recordings ever. Celibidache was one of the greatest interpreters of Tchaikovsky in the 20th century. Sadly he didn't record much. So much of his work goes unrecognized today. Buying these CD's is finding a hidden treasure chest. I have heard no other recordings that make this music come to life like these. Like I said the recordings are old and done in front of a live audience so the quality isn't the very best, but that doesn't stop Celibidache from blowing his audience away. Hint: Play these symphonies loudly. The music is simply Awe-inspiring. I would give it more that five stars if possible.