Customer Reviews

Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream; Symphony No. 4 "Italian"

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The sonics on this disc are outstanding. If you want to get excited about something just listen to the amazing opening of this Italian symphony. It has an energy and presence like a bullet train. Levi conducts Mendelssohn's Italian with verve and clear understanding. I am not so sure that he hits the same mark with the excerpts from A Midsummer Night's Dream. This music has delightful tempi, great sonic presence and balanced orchestral playing but seems lacking in the dramatic department. They are not exactly rigid but they are by no means the delightfully elastic show pieces Mendelssohn intended them to be. So, my only real beef with this extremely enjoyable recording is that Levi's outstanding rendition of the Italian is placed last on the disc rather than having top billing.

The always excellent ASO made a wonderful performance of the Incidental Music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" despite conductor Levi's sometimes ridiculous tempi and other interpretory urges. The orchestra is full and lush, and provides a very colorful recording. The rendition of Symphony No. 4 is one of the finest I have heard, and Levi stays more true to the flavor of the piece and away from over-dramatic interpretation. The Allegro section alone is worth the money paid for this CD.

Yoel Levi and the ASO combine very quick tempos, precision, and great use of dynamics to produce an energy rush of Mendelssohn's music! At first, I was taken aback by the speedy performances, however, it's just so lively, my foot was tapping along uncontrollably and at some points I even began air-conducting. Despite how much fun I had listening to this album, it also contains a few flaws. Although the first and final movements of the Italian symphony are outstanding, the second and third movements are lacking the Romantic swagger I expect to hear blossom out from the performers. As for A Midsummer Night's Dream, the overture is a real pleasure and thrill to listen to. The incidental music is good, not great, yet still enjoyable. Overall, I would recommend this album to anyone who wants to hear a fresh, clean interpretation of these works.