Customer Reviews

Hindemith: Mathis der maler; Nobilissima Visione; Symphonic Metamorphosis

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

 

 

The Atlanta Symphony is a good orchestra no question about it, but before conductor Yoel Levi took over, they were dwindling down a road of stagnation. Robert Shaw did a fine job during his tenure, but Yoel Levi whipped this orchestra into shape and this recording of Hindemith is further proof of that.

For those unfamiliar with Hindemith, there really is no way to describe this music much like there's no way to really describe Stravinsky's music. It's just something you have to hear and judge for yourself. But he's labeled "neo-classical," which is term that really doesn't mean that much. It's really hard to judge his music based on a 20 second audio sample, but trust me if you like Stravinsky, then you're going to like Hindemith, though this music is less "barbaric," for lack of a better term, than Stravinsky.

These are good all-around readings of Hindemith's "Mathias der Maler," "Symphonic Metamorphosis," and "Nobilissima." A lot better than the dreadful Abbado and Sawallisch interpretations of these works. The only other reading of these works to get is the Herbert Blomstedt with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.

If you're new to Hindemith, then start with this recording and then get the 3-CD set with Blomstedt and the SFSO.

Special note: This is different interpretation than Blomstedt's, so bear in mind every conductor feels something different about a certain composer. This does not in no way, shape, or form make this an "old man" reading, as the reviewer Kevin put it, it just makes it a different reading. Levi is a fine conductor with a great orchestra. Also note that if you look at the ASO's catalog they have only played Hindemith one other time and it was with Robert Shaw.

Hindemith is one of the few composers who's music depends 100% on the conductor AND orchestra involved. Each different recording of 'Mathis der Maler' I have heard is startleingly different than the other, and each has its own strong and weak points.

The present recording by Yoel Levi and the Atlanta Symphony is surprisingly good. The orchetra, just starting its new tenure with Yoel Levi as mucis director, can already be heard as much improved over past recordings. The brass, most notably the French Horns and Tuba, deserve special recognition.

While the orchestra is indeed step up, the interpretation leaves something to desire. While Levi does an exceptioanlly creative and well-executed "March" and "The trial of St. Anthony", the rest seems to plod along at an almost unbearable pace. The 'Engelkonzert' is surprisingly dull, as if the Angels in question were old, withered, and perhaps too holy to be bothered to sing with joy. In this recording, Levi makes Hindemith seem to be a resigned and slow old man, rather than the person who was full of zest and vigor.

This is one of the most fantastic pieces of music on the planet. Let me get that out of the way. Its themes constantly dance into my heads at the strangest times. I love this piece of music, Mathis, and Hindemith in general, in an almost obsessive way.

The first movement almost collapses at every turn.

The propulsive and popping themes and dancing rhythms are nowhere to be found.

The horns sound completely disinterested, a REAL disaster in Hindemith.

The Grablegung plods along like a Romero Zombie movie.

There is no excitement or wonder here at all.

I have not been impressed by Levi/Atlanta one bit, in anything.

This is just so slow and boring its should be criminal.

Do yourself a favor: Any Bernstein is way better.

Szell, Blomstedt, Bernstein... even Ormandy is better than this slugfest.

For a truly exciting Hindemith disk, get Jirí Belohlávek and the CZECH Philharmonic.

The awesome Czech horns excite, the sound is clear and big AND there is Concert Music for Brass and Concerto for Wind, Harp, and Orchestra.

I am only 16 years old and I was recently involved in an honors orchestra in which we played symphonic Metamorphosis and we all loved it. The opening is the grandest with the majestic french horns and continues on with powerful strings. But not to worry here comes the mighty brass about 30 measures into it.The thing that made me love this song was the great diversity. Every section got a chance to show their stuff. From the second fast-paced movement to the third slow beautiful flowing wind solos in the third movement to the trombone fugue in the Marsch this peice is sure to thrill every fan of any orchestral instrument or group.